Shots from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Rishikesh is known for the array of temples, ashrams and also as the "Yoga capital of the world". I paid a visit to this religious city in the month of November, (known to be the best time for rafting and other water sports, believe it or not) 

Being an agnostic, I'm often intrigued by religious activities and in Rishikesh it was the Ganga Aarti. This ritual is practiced on the Ganga Ghat (banks of the river Ganges) with hundreds of diyas, mantras and aroma of incenses.  

This is practiced in massive scale in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

The aarti is practiced for the public with timings varying from the early dawn to early evening, where the devotees can offer donations both monetary and with flowers & sweets.

The shots above and below are of a private practice arranged by a family of prominent devotees which is made 'open to all'. I was told that I was lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time as the public aartis have "limited seats" with a good view and the ferries that take you to the specific side of the ghat, stop after a certain time as it would hinder the beginning of the aarti.

I was fortunate enough to be acquainted with the family who not only explained to me about the aarti in depth, their beliefs and also why the devotees worship their "Maa Ganga" ( Mother Ganges), hoping i would have more faith in their god.

It was a surreal experience.