Ganga Aarti
Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh
Description
Indian mythology is replete with the personification of natural elements like rivers and mountains as religious entities. People come together to show their devotion to these entities through an aarti, a ceremonial prayer. During the Kumbh Mela, one of the main deities is the sacred river Ganga, and the prayer to it—the Ganga Aarti—is an elaborate affair with massive arrangements along the banks of the river. The priests line up every morning and evening to perform the aarti, chanting and reciting hymns with great piety and emotion. The Ganga Aarti at the Kumbh Mela attracts a record number of people. Amidst the echoing songs and prayers of the priests and devout followers, one can breathe in the fragrance of the flowers and the incense. The aarti is not just a ritual, it is a display of complete devotion to the river Ganga.
Project Title
The Ganga Project
DOCUMENT TYPE
image
Identifier:
ALLH_018
Related Term
Customs and Rituals
Related place
Allahabad
USE RESTRICTIONS
In Copyright
RIGHTS HOLDER
INTACH
