Day 1 in Banaras : Witnessing the Enchantment of Ganga Aarti

 

We landed in Banaras around 3pm on a hot summer afternoon. After a 30 min taxi ride to our hotel, we were welcomed with fresh litchi juice (yum)!

We stayed in this beautiful haveli-converted-into-a- hotel - Amitara Suryauday Haveli.

Our agenda for the evening was to witness the Ganga Aarti and enjoy local cuisine. Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is a city steeped in history and spiritual significance. One of the most mesmerizing experiences for any visitor is witnessing the Ganga Aarti, a daily evening ritual of worshipping the holy River Ganges.

Our hotel arranged a boat ride to the Dashashwamedh Ghat (riverfront steps). We left around 5:15 pm and docked our boat around 5:40 pm. 

There is a lot of waiting on the boat (in the heat!), so be prepared with water and a hand fan! We also enjoyed some delicious lemon spiced tea while waiting. 

Little Shiva!

The Aarti is a multi-sensory experience. A group of priests, attired in saffron robes, perform the puja (prayer) using large, tiered brass lamps filled with burning oil. The rhythmic chanting of mantras fills the air, accompanied by the clanging of cymbals and the blowing of conch shells.

 

The highlight of the Aarti is the offering of light. The priests, in a synchronized movement, gracefully sway the lamps, creating a mesmerizing dance of fire. Devotees on the ghats, and sometimes on boats in the river, follow suit, offering their own small diyas (clay lamps) afloat on the water (unfortunately we also witnessed a lot of trash).

The Ganga Aarti is more than just a religious ceremony; it's a cultural experience that embodies the essence of Banaras. It's a testament to the deep reverence Hindus hold for the River Ganges, considered a life source and a pathway to spiritual liberation.

Plan Your Visit

The Ganga Aarti is a free event, and witnessing it is a must-do for anyone visiting Banaras. Here are some tips for planning your visit:

• Timings: The Aarti starts around sunset, which varies depending on the season. In summer, it might be around 7 pm, while in winter, it could be as early as 6 pm.
• Location: The most popular spot is Dashashwamedh Ghat - be prepared for crowds and the heat in summer! 
• Seating: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the ghats especially if you opt for a boat ride on the river for a unique perspective.

We returned to our hotel around 8:30 pm and were greeted with live Hindustani music in the restaurant courtyard! 

Given the beautiful ambience we decided to dine in the in-house restaurant. We were pleasantly surprised with the quality and flavors of the dishes. By far the best lassi and aloo dum to calm our highly stimulated minds! 

Day1 in Baranas did not disappoint!