Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram

At sunset Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram is the place to be in Rishikesh. It is performed by ashram residents, and you will see many young boys dressed in orange organizing the ceremony. These boys are studying the Vedas at the Ashram. The ceremony starts with the singing of bhajans (devotional songs), prayers, followed by hawan (a purifying ritual where different herbs are thorn onto a fire). Then small baskets of flowers and lit candles (offerings made to Agni, the fire god) are floated in the Ganges. Everyone is welcome to attend the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan. It's a good idea to arrive early if you want to get a seat on the steps close to the action. Shoes must be removed but you can securely store them for free at the entrance.