To describe the rich cultural tradition of India, it would be incomplete if “Ganga Aarti” of Har Ki Pauri is not mentioned.

In fact it is the heritage any Indian could take pride in. The Ganges, longest river of the India, is the center of attraction.  as the Aarti is the offering to The Ganges is depicted as Goddess and the daily Aarti is the offering to her. Har Ki Pauri at Hardwar, Uttar Pradesh, has a special significance as Hardwar is considered to be the gateway to heaven. It is the start point for any trek to The Himalayas which Hindu Mythology refers to as the abode of The Gods. Chains at the ghats are provided to have the holy dip as The Ganges flows here with a break neck speed.

The meaning of Har Ki Pauri is “Lord Shiva’s Steps”. Though the ghat is named as Har Ki Pauri where the famous Ganga Aarti takes place every evening, also holds Kumbh Mela(Fair) in every 12 years and Ardh(Half) Kumbh Mela in every 6 years. Every evening The Ganga Aarti takes place at a defined time with respect to sunset and it is a big crowd puller! People get in to trance and the ambience becomes electrifying on the two banks as the time passes by. The grandeur and the rituals are worth watching as a natural show on the earth and fortunately I could shoot just after the Ardh Kumbh Fair when the additional lighting created a magical environment.