Ganga Aarti in Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most sanctified places in the Uttarakhand State. It is the very site where every evening the most popular known Maha Aarti begins. The most devotional Ghat in Uttarakhand is Har-ki-Pauri.This revered place is the major landmark of the holy city of Haridwar.

"Har" means "Lord Shiva" "ki" means "of" and "pauri" means "steps".Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har ki Paudi in the Vedic times. There is a large footprint said to belong to Lord Vishnu on a stone wall.Har ki pauri is also the area where thousands of pilgrims converge and the festivities commence during the Kumbha Mela, which  takes place every twelve years.Every day, Har Ki Pauri ghat witnesses hundreds taking a dip in water of the Ganges. The place is considered very auspicious. Har ki Pauri is also known as “Brahma Kund”, this ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the remembrance of his brother Brithari who used to meditate on the banks of Ganga River.

Ganga Aarti in Hardwar city starts at around (6.30pm - 7.00pm) and it lasts for 30-40 minutes.. 1 to 5 times Aarti is performed daily at the Har ki Pauri Ghat.Aarti symbolize 5 thing mainly these are 1) ether (akash) 2) wind (vayu) 3) fire (agni) 4) water (jal) and 5) earth (pruthvi). In Sanskrit the meaning of "Aa" is "towards or to" and the meaning of "rati" is right or virtue". The Aarti is done in a clock wise manner around the Lord.

Ganga Aarti is a devotional ceremony that uses fire as an offering. The splendid golden diyas that floats on the ghat gives a chanting view to devotees.  People offer prayers at the ghat with ghee lamps, incense sticks, flowers and puja ki thali.The offering is made to the Goddess Ganga, as well lovingly referred to as Maa Ganga, goddess of the most holy river in India.