Best Rituals and Poojas that are done in Haridwar and Varanasi.

By Bhakti Yatra Travels

India is that country where spirituality runs through all rivers, temples and sacred chants. Among other numerous Holy places, two of the most sacred places of pilgrimage are Haridwar and Varanasi. They are both situated on riverside in the holy river Ganga, and they both bring millions of adherents per year who come to do olden day rituals and poojas to gain peace, cleanliness, and salvation.

In Bhakti Yatra Travels we realize that pilgrimage does not only mean a trip but a relationship between the soul and God. We shall discuss the most sacred rituals and poojas that are done in these two sacred cities that still preserve the spiritual heritage of India.

1. Ganga Aarti- The Goddess Light Ceremony.

The most magical of rituals that bring the two places together, that is, Haridwar and Varanasi, is the Ganga Aarti. Each night, when the sun goes down, hundreds of lamps are lit up by the priests who are wearing saffron robes and pray to the Goddess Ganga. The singing of mantras and ringing of bells make it sound very much heavenly and the glow of the diyas adds to it.

The Aarti at Har Ki Pauri Ghat, in Haridwar, is the symbol of the forgiveness of sin and the appreciation of the Ganga.

At Varanasi, the Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is more splendid usually with devotional music and flowers.

It is a spiritual experience of a lifetime of every devotee attending this ritual.

2. Pind Daan Rituals and Shraddha Rituals.

The ceremony of the Pind Daan is very crucial in Varanasi. Worshipers do it in order to celebrate and redeem the spirits of their parents. It is thought that after an individual has done Shraddha in Kashi, his/her forefathers will get moksha (salvation). Rice balls offerings, sesame seeds, holy water, are part of the ritual, led by learned priests.

We assist at Bhakti Yatra Travels to make the devotees the correct arrangements so that no ritual is performed in an unholy manner.

3. Rudrabhishek in Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

One of the most effective rituals in Varanasi is the Rudrabhishek Puja of Lord Shiva. It also entails placing religious objects such as milk, honey, and Bilva leaves on the Shivalinga and reciting of Vedic mantras. It is a puja that is thought to be a blessing of good luck, health and a shield of bad luck.

4. Ganga Snan and Daan Punya

The process of making a holy dip (Ganga Snan) in the Ganges is believed to cleanse the sins and to clean up karma. Devotees usually attend it with daan (charity) - to give food, clothes and gifts to Brahmans and needy. This practice is enhanced by the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar where millions of people come together to take a dip in the holy river.

5. Satyanarayan Katha and Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap.

Lots of pilgrims who come to Haridwar carry out Satyanarayan Katha ritual which is offered to Lord Vishnu in order to be blessed with peace and prosperity. In the same way, Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap, a musical incantation sung in Haridwar and Varanasi is used to achieve good health and prevention of early death.

Tour the Divine with Bhakti Yatra Travels.

Bhakti Yatra Travels boasts of conducting spiritual tours that are both devotional and comfortable. Be it the mesmeric Ganga Aarti, the sacred poojas or visiting ancient temples, our senior team makes the experience of all the devotees very rewarding.

Go on your next Yatra to Haridwar or Varanasi with us and be able to learn the spirit of faith, tradition and divine peace.