21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Spiritual religious ceremony

Ganga Aarti is a magnificent, religious and spiritual ceremony that is performed every evening along the Ghats of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. This ceremony is a celebration of the sacredness and purity of the Ganges and attracts thousands of people from all over the world. The ceremony is a mesmerizing display of lights, music, and prayers, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity along the Ghats. The sight of hundreds of glowing diyas (small oil lamps) floating on the river, accompanied by the chanting of mantras and the beating of drums, is truly breathtaking. Ganga Aarti is performed by a group of priests who use traditional Hindu instruments and chant prayers to honor the river. The ceremony is an important part of Hinduism and is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul of those who participate.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Varanasi, India
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Azim Khan Ronnie