SPECIAL WOMEN’S GANGA AARTI CELEBRATED ON THE FIRST DAY OF NAVRATRI AT PURNANAND GHAT
RISHIKESH: On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri — Pratipada (the first day of the bright half / Shukla Paksha) — a Special Women’s Ganga Aarti was held at Purnanand Ghat (Janaki Jhula), Rishikesh. Organised by the Rishikesh Ganga Aarti Trust, which has been conducting a women-led Ganga Aarti at this sacred ghat for the past five years, the occasion was marked by fervent prayers, grand ritual worship, and a deeply devotional atmosphere that drew thousands of pilgrims from across the country.
Sacred Prayers and Grand Ritual on the Banks of the Ganga
Prior to the grand Maha-Aarti of Mother Ganga, a formal worship ceremony was conducted using the Shodashopchar method — the classical sixteen-step ritual of Hindu worship. Devotees presented Bhog (sacred food offerings), Akshat (sacred rice), Naivedya (food offerings), flowers, fruits, and a red Chunari (sacred scarf) to Mother Ganga, followed by the grand Aarti.
Prayers were offered on the sacred banks of the Ganga for equal opportunities, rights, and good health for women — appealing to Mother Ganga, revered as the embodiment of nectar, the bestower of salvation, and the destroyer of sins. The ghat reverberated with chants of “Jai Jai Maa Ganga” (Victory to Mother Ganga), and a continuous stream of devotees arrived until late into the evening.
Sitting peacefully on the steps of Purnanand Ghat, all those present were given the opportunity to participate fully in the Aarti dedicated to Mother Ganga. As dusk fell, the entire atmosphere became imbued with devotion — illuminated by the glow of lamps and resonating with the chanting of mantras and hymns — as devotees were seen completely immersed in worship.
The Trust’s Mission: Faith, Devotion, and the Sanctity of the Ganga
Hariom Sharma ‘Gyani Ji’, President of the Rishikesh Ganga Aarti Trust, stated that the very objective of the Ganga Aarti is to uphold the Sanatan (eternal) faith and to work continuously for the convenience and comfort of devotees. He emphasised that the Trust’s focus extends beyond the organisation of the event itself — ensuring that devotees can participate in the Aarti at Purnanand Ghat in a completely safe and comfortable environment, thereby providing them with a truly transcendental spiritual experience.
Dr. Jyoti Sharma offered prayers to Mother Ganga, seeking happiness, peace, and prosperity for all. Devotees present at Janaki Jhula expressed their deep appreciation for the divine aura and spiritual atmosphere of the location.
Prominent Participants
Thousands of devotees arriving from every corner of the country earned spiritual merit by participating in the sacred Aarti of Mother Ganga. Prominent among those who participated in today’s Women’s Ganga Aarti were:
Acharya Sonia, Raj Poonam, Anjana Uniyal, Gayatri, Vandana Negi, Pramila, and Rajni Rawat
