Evening Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat

Triveni Ghat is Rishikesh's main bathing ghat, on the west bank near the old town and the bus stands. By day, families come for ritual dips and to scatter ashes; at dusk, the Maha Aarti draws hundreds of pilgrims and locals. Priests in saffron hold multi-tiered brass lamps and move them in circles toward the river while a bhajan plays, and people float small leaf boats carrying a flame and marigolds downstream.

We suggest walking down from the market about 40 minutes before sunset to find a step close to the water. Leave footwear at the paid stands, keep your bag in front of you, and expect donation requests; a small offering is customary but never compulsory. Photography is generally fine from the steps, but put the phone down for the main lamp ceremony and avoid flash in people's faces.

If you prefer a calmer setting, the aarti at Parmarth Niketan in Swarg Ashram on the east bank has a seated crowd, a riverside Shiva statue and singing led by the ashram's students. Many travellers do one on each evening. Both end within an hour, and the riverside lanes stay safe and lit for the walk back to Tapovan or Ram Jhula.