Arti can be seen on both sides of Ganges River in Haridwar

During a visit to the holy cities of Varanasi and Rishikesh/Haridwar, make time to partake of the most popular ceremony in Hindusim, Arti. Performed daily, several times throughout, Arti is a greeting ceremony offered to the murti and also gurus, holy people, and other representations of the divine.

Arti is often called “the ceremony of lights” but usually involves offering more than just a lamp.

The priest or worshiper offers various auspicious articles by moving them in clockwise circles before the deity. At the same time he or she rings a small hand bell, while meditating on the forms of the deity.

During the entire ceremony, which normally lasts from five to thirty minutes, the worshipper offers incense, a flower, water, a five-wick lamp, a lamp with camphor and other items. The ceremony is often announced and concluded by the blowing of a conch-shell.

During the ceremony the offered lamp is passed around the congregation; members pass their fingers over the flame and reverently touch them to their foreheads. The offered flowers are also passed around worshippers and the water is sprinkled over their heads.

Arti is usually accompanied by singing (bhajan/kirtan) and out of respect worshippers usually stand for the entire ceremony.

Source – The Heart of Hinduism

Morning Arti begins before sun up, which means you’ll be crawling out of bed in the 5 o’clock hour to reach the temple in time. Tourists aren’t a common sight at this time but of course welcome.

Evening Arti is when you’ll encounter the most tourists. Varanasi has an amazing display right on the Ganges. To enhance your participation and/or observation, find a boat-for-hire down river from Dasaswamedh Ghat. Row into the area of this main ghat where the ceremony takes place. You won’t be alone as many other tourists and some locals will be gliding up to view the Arti. Along the way you’ll be approached by vendors on their own boat selling ghee candles tucked into a small tray-like bowl. The transaction is very quick and simple. Light the wick, make a prayer and set the candle onto the river’s surface. As you reach Dasaswamedh Ghat, you’ll notice a steady stream of candles passing you by.

In Haridwar, the Arti also is performed on the Ganges. And just like Varanasi, ghee candles are lit and sent off into the current. The river runs  much stronger in the Arti area, adding to the cornucopia of sights and sounds already on display. The ceremony can be viewed on either side of the river here with massive crowds all vying for the best position.

At Rishikesh, once again the ceremony can be found on the riverbanks of the Ganges. Ghat steps lead into the water allowing followers pristine access to launch their candles. The crowd here is younger and not as subdued as one would wish them to be. Loud dancing and over-the-top chanting comes across in a mocking fashion when played against the spiritual leaders’ rendition of events.

Be sure to check schedules for any Arti you wish to view. You don’t want to miss out due to misinformation as I did more than once. Regardless of your religious beliefs, Arti is a worthwhile experience which only enhances your visit to India.