• Photo feature has personal experience of attending the Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh and town visit.

Text and Images by Ankur Gupta

If the Himalayas are the crown of India, Rishikesh is the necklace of prayer beads worn around its neck. Known globally as the "Yoga Capital of the World," this town is a unique paradox. By day, it is an adrenaline-fueled hub of white-water rafting and bustling cafes. 

But, as the sun dips behind the mountains the energy shifts from the kinetic to the cosmic. The rafts differ, the cafes empty, and all roads lead to the riverbank for the Ganga Aarti.

The Ritual of Light

As captured in the photographs, the evening Aarti in Rishikesh is not merely a ritual; it is a celestial performance. Whether you are at the famous Parmarth Niketan  or the bustling Triveni Ghat, the atmosphere is electric.

As dusk settles, turning the sky into a deep indigo canvas, a hush falls over the crowd. The protagonists of this nightly drama are the young priests—Rishikumars—draped in saffron or maroon robes. As seen in the images, they stand on elevated podiums, their movements synchronized like a dance.

The central element is Fire (Agni) meeting Water (Jal). The priests hoist heavy brass lamps, tiered with rows of flaming camphor. As they rotate these lamps in a rhythmic circular motion, the flames cast long, dancing shadows against the smoke that rises into the night air. The chanting of Vedic mantras, amplified by speakers, vibrates in your chest, competing with the eternal roar of the rushing Ganges.

It is a sensory overload: the heat of the fire, the cool breeze from the river, the smell of incense (dhoop), and the sound of bells (ghantas). For a seeker, it is a moment of profound connection—a realization that this river has witnessed this same offering for thousands of years.

The Old and The New: Bajrang Setu

Rishikesh is also a town in transition, bridging its ancient past with modern engineering. For decades, the swaying Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge was the icon of the town. However, when it was unsafe and closed to traffic, a new marvel has risen to take its place: the Bajrang Setu.

Located next to the old bridge, this is India’s first glass-floor suspension bridge. While it serves the practical purpose of connecting the Tapovan and Jonk districts, it is also an architectural statement. Walking on the transparent glass panels offers a vertigo-inducing, thrilling view of the jade-green Ganges churning beneath your feet. It symbolizes the new Rishikesh—transparent, strong, and ready for the future, yet forever suspended over the timeless flow of the river.

The Soul of the Town

Beyond the Aarti and the bridges, Rishikesh remains a sanctuary. A walk along the Astha Path  (Marine Drive) offers moments of solitude where the water is calm and green (as seen in your daylight photos). The town is dotted with ashrams like the Beatles Ashram  (Chaurasi Kutia), where history and pop culture intersect.

To visit Rishikesh is to step into a stream of energy that cleanses not just the body, but the spirit. As the final lamp of the Aarti is lowered and the river carries the floating diya offerings into the dark, you leave with a light that burns long after the fire has gone out.

Parmarth Niketan entry from the Ganga. Notice the Shivji in the centre.

Travel Guide: Planning Your Visit

Getting There: The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), about 35-45 minutes away. Trains connect to Yog Nagari Rishikesh station.

The Aarti: The most famous Aartis are at Triveni Ghat (more local, grand scale) and Parmarth Niketan (more spiritual, musical). Reach by 5:30 PM to get a good seat near the water.

The Bridge: The new Bajrang Setu is a must-visit for the glass-floor experience. Please adhere to safety guidelines and avoid jumping on the panels.

Best Time to Visit: September to November and March to April offer the best weather for both rafting and rituals.

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The Holy Ganga is Sanatan.

Also read

1. Gangotri-Gaumukh – source of the Ganga

2. Ganga Yatra from Kashi to Bay of Bengal

3. Ganga Cruise – Kashi  

4. Seven Sacred Rivers

5. Video 5.48 minutes Ganga Aarti Triveni Ghat Rishikesh