GANGA AARATI – Revering the River

Aarti, which means something that removes darkness, is an important part of the ceremonial worship in Hinduism, in which light from a flame is offered to the deity or object of worship. The ceremony uses flowers, water, a lamp, a peacock fan, a yak-tail fan, and incense, representing the five great elements and an exalted state of mind, respectively. Thus, one’s being and all aspects of Creation are embodied in the ceremony, while also signifying that one is subsidiary to the Supreme Divine. Aarti can be an expression of many things including devotion, love, gratitude, goodwill, or prayers directed toward the object of worship. The most well-known is the Ganga Aarti, related to the holy river which occupies a central role in the spiritual, emotional, and cultural life of India. Ganga Aarti is performed every evening in the 3 holy cities of Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi in a rousing ceremony. The movie documents this illuminating ritual. The screening is followed by a Q&A.