Beautiful sunset at Ganga Varanasi
I had heard a lot about Ganga Varanasi since childhood. Had known this place as a world renowned pilgrimage. When I heard about the trip to Varanasi in the Heritage Circuit by IRCTC I was excited. As we reached Varanasi, after visiting Sarnath Temple, Museum and Dhamek Stupa, we were supposed to attend Aarti ( Worship) of Ganga Ji (Respected River Ganges) in the evening.
Scenic view
Being December, it was very cold in the evening. IRCTC team had decided to arrange for boat rides to enable passengers witness Aarti from the river. This was done keeping in mind huge crowd on Ghats ( Sides) of Ganga Ji. As we got ready with scarves, caps and jackets, it was getting dark and sun was about to set.
I then saw bridge over Ganga Ji with another flyover that bridge where traffic was moving. I was quite amazed at it. There were many kids around selling flower bowls.
Flower bowls
After loading all passengers, our boat started. Cold wind was hitting the face. But I liked the weather. It seemed to be perfect timing of the year to visit Varanasi. There were many ghats on the way.
Ghat at Ganga Ji
Bhonsale Ghat
Once we reached the site of prayer, we saw fully decorated and well lit up temples, buildings. It was a nice scene amongst glittering ghats and soothing meditation songs. I was loving the overall atmosphere. My colleagues were all happy and were singing worship songs. They felt very contented to visit the whole event. Aarti was for an hour.
Atmosphere during Aarti
After Aarti, people floated diyas in the river. It is said that you wish something and float diyas with flowers in Ganga Ji, your wish is granted. Plus as per Hindu religion, if one takes a dip in the holy water of Ganges, all their sins are forgives by Ganga Ji.
Priest performing prayers during Aarti at Ganga Ji, Varanasi
Now it was total dark and the whole view was mesmerizing. I was happy and relieved to be a part of the full event. I have seen Aarti at Ganga Ji in Haridwar. It was a bit different from here. In Haridwar , there are no boats from where one can witness Aarti. Plus Haridwar is vast as compared to Varanasi.
After Aarti, we retreated back to the ghat. From Ghat, we boarded our bus which was at a walking distance.
Overall, a nice experience.
Nidhi KM
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What a lovely article. I went there some 20 years back with my mom and she insisted that I should take a dip in the waters, apparently if you are single you get a great Bridegroom. Lol. I refused to enter the water and she could not convince me to do the same. Ws reminded of all that. And more than that just love the Aarti there.
Good to know Charu, you liked the article. I got to know other incentive to take a dip for single women. Yes Aarti was beautiful and satisfying. Same was reaction of many co travellers.
Never been to Varanasi and after reading this blog, seems a life time experience to watch the Ganga Aarti on the Varanasi ghats sitting in a boat. Great Nidhi!
Yes Vikram, it was a great experience. I too have witnessed Gangs Aarti from Ghats in Haridwar but this was a different other side of story!!
My mom belongs to Varanasi and the Aarti in the evening is always splendid. Also love the kachoris and kachaloos you get near the ghats.
Oh, good to know that your mother belongs to Varanasi. We did not get a chance to have street food at all. Will try next time for sure.
Great post.. I have been to Haridwar but not Varanasi.. Looks so peaceful, serene and mesmerizing
Thanks Nidhi
Had been to Ganga, Varanasi in September 2015 and I am still mesmerized.
Wonderful post, I relived my experience too.
Thanks Sherna. Good that our thoughts resonate.
Great post on Varanasi…
Can you add any travel/commute related info? For instance, are there flights? Also, a photo essay would be great if you have more pictures. Would love to see it 🙂
Hi Manavi, this trip was by IRCTC fully planned and organized by them. One just have to book the tickets and food, travel, accommodation along with stays are taken care by IRCTC. You can click this link to know more. This is a newly launched circuit by IRCTC.