http://www.anandway.com/articles.aspx?View=Ganga_Aarti_at_Rishikesh&link=17

The racing water was music to the ears and heart. The sky, spangled with fluffs of white clouds, took on orange and pink hues from the sun rays that filtered through them. Birds were on their way home in the green cover uphill.



As the sun sank lower, preparations for the Aarti looked complete. Shiny brass ghee-lamps, microphones and musical instruments jostled at the ghaat. People from all walks of life took their places on the steps.



Despite the swelling crowd it was pleasant and peaceful. Young, bubbly Gurukul shishyas clad in chrome yellow dhotis, kurtas and gamchas took their place in neat rows at the river bank.



The head priest held the lamp which had hundreds of ghee-dipped wicks dancing with flames on their heads.



A woman ascetic took to the mic., chanting mantras, devotional songs and finally the Aarti for the holy Ganga. Her clear melodious voice connected with something deep within me. A few guests sang along, others clapped in divine pleasure as the priest moved the lamp clockwise for Aarti.