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A Spiritual Evening at Har Ki Pauri – My Ganga Aarti Experience

Now the time has come and we have reached the Har ki pauri Ghat.

I reached Har Ki Pauri Ghat around 6 PM on June 25. The daily Ganga Aarti was scheduled for 7:30 PM, and the whole atmosphere was already buzzing with energy and devotion. It was an amazing experience. As I stood at the ghat, I felt as if Ganga Maa’s water was calling me. There was a powerful energy, a vibration in the air, as if the millions of people who had visited this sacred place had left behind their devotion for others to feel.

People around me were filled with joy and reverence, gathering to take a holy dip in the Ganga River. My eyes welled up with emotion—I had waited a long time to be here. It felt like the right time, the final moment for me to take that sacred dip and feel spiritually uplifted.

Before stepping into the river, I silently remembered all the deities and my ancestors, inviting them to join me in this sacred moment, so they too could be freed from the burdens of worldly life. In that moment, time stood still. Even though there were so many people around, I was completely lost in my own world.

As I immersed myself in the holy water, the freezing cold Ganga instantly washed away all my fatigue. My mind became calm and clear. I felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I was free—light, happy, and deeply at peace. That single dip filled me with an unexplainable joy. I finally understood why people say a dip in the holy Ganga is essential at least once in a lifetime. It’s not just a ritual—it’s an experience that awakens something deep within.

After the dip, it was around 7:15 PM, and the Ganga Aarti was about to begin. I stayed to witness it. As the aarti started, the energy changed—everyone fell silent, not because someone told them to, but because something divine was happening. The entire crowd, large as it was, became one in devotion. I participated in the aarti, mesmerized by the synchronized movements, chants, and flames.

Later, I walked through the nearby market, which was quite vibrant. However, I noticed the impact of modernization—many items sold there are no different from what you’d find in markets elsewhere. Still, it had its own charm. We wandered a bit, enjoyed some local food, and by around 10:00 PM, took a tuk-tuk back to our hotel.

Back in the room, I took time to reflect—on the Ganga, on the aarti, on the feelings that surfaced, and on the entire journey. The experience was overwhelmingly beautiful, but I couldn’t help noticing things that need attention.

Observations and Concerns

While the spiritual aspect was powerful, some things were disheartening:

Food vendors on the ghat leave behind a lot of garbage.
Plastic waste is thrown carelessly, despite everyone knowing its impact.
The holy ghats deserve more respect and care.

Tips for Visiting Haridwar & the Ganga

Book a hotel away from the river – It’s more affordable, and often less polluted.
Be mindful of your surroundings – Stay aware throughout your trip.
Note that most people around are tourists, not locals.
Many shopkeepers and food vendors are from other states, not native to Haridwar.
Do not litter – Especially avoid throwing garbage on or near the ghats.
Avoid eating on the ghats – It helps keep them clean and sacred.
Contribute positively – Help protect the sanctity of the Ganga.
Avoid risky areas and people – Trust your instincts.
Keep your belongings safe, especially near crowded places.
Ask questions before making decisions – Don’t rush.

Final Thoughts

This trip was a turning point. I enjoyed every moment and learned so much. Most importantly, I realized that many people living near the Ganga may not truly understand or appreciate its significance. It’s up to us, the visitors and devotees, to preserve its purity and respect its power.

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Let’s spread awareness and love for our cultural heritage.