ॐ · Puja Vidhi
Ganga Aarti
गंगा आरती · গঙ্গা আরতি
Devoted to Ganga
Deity
Ganga
When to perform
At dusk, and on Purnima
Significance
The Ganga Aarti is the offering of light to the river Ganga, revered as a goddess and mother who purifies all who come to her. Performed at dusk on the ghats of Varanasi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, it fills the riverbank with lamps, bells, and song. As a family rite it is kept in gratitude, for the peace of departed ancestors, and to seek the blessing of the sacred river.
How it is performed
Reach the ghat or riverside before dusk and purify yourself with the river water.
Take a brief sankalp in gratitude to Mother Ganga.
Offer flowers, milk, and sandalwood to the flowing water.
Light the tiered lamp and, if used, incense.
Raise the lamp in slow circles while ringing the bell and singing the aarti.
Float a leaf boat with flowers and a small lamp upon the river.
Bow to the river and close with a prayer for peace and blessing.
The mantra
Om Namo Gangayai Vishvarupinyai Narayanyai Namo Namah
Salutations again and again to Ganga, who takes the form of the whole universe, the divine consort of Narayana.
