Aarti Haridwar Louise Sings 'Ganga Mata' - Louise and Stuart's Amazing India

Namaste, Aarti in Haridwar Louise Sings the 'Ganga Mata'The banks of the Ganges crowded with hundreds of people bathing in the holy Ganga. Aarti, like the religious ceremony celebrated in Varanasi, starts at sunset. By 6:30 there were literally thousands of Indians there to celebrate Arti! I have attended Arti in Haridwar many many times, but this waslike New Year's Eve at an Indian Times Square!

Evening, however, is cool and wonderful on the river, which is all lit up and festive. That is when the place really comes to life. Daytime is for "dipping in the Ganges", and for kids diving for coins that worshipers toss in the cool, refreshing water.
At a designated time everyone tossed the flowers back toward the Ganges. One specially appointed gentleman squeezed his way through the crowd showering the throng with sweet lightly scented rose water from a funky pump propelled watering can. As it was a bit warm sitting in such a crowd, the shower of water on my head was a welcome respite. I just had to warn Stuart to cover the camera whenever I felt a splash or noticed the "water guy" approaching.

The music started, incense, oil lamps with dripping hot wax and fire, and overhead. It was wonderful! I even got to hold a stainless steel plate full of fire, and make a circle with it and pass it on! With s much wax and fire, and women in Saris, it's always a wonder that no one is set on fire!

Sweet offerings were given out at the end of the ceremony, as well as fruits from trays heaped with grapes and small peaches. Now that is what Icall a birthday celebration. Although Arti is done nightly, it is not on such a grand scale.