In an attempt to recreate spiritual traditions far from home, a video of Indians performing Ganga Aarti on the banks of the Credit River in Erindale Park, Mississauga, Canada, has gone viral on Instagram.
The video, shared by a user on Instagram, vividly captured the sights and sounds of this divine ritual, mirroring the famous aartis held on the ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar.
What Is Ganga Aarti?
Ganga Aarti is a deeply spiritual and visually mesmerizing ritual in Hinduism, performed on the banks of the Ganges River, considered the holiest river in Hindu tradition. It is a devotional offering of light (aarti) to Ganga Maa (Mother Ganga), the goddess of the river. The ceremony typically involves:
- Lighting lamps (diyas) with ghee or camphor
- Chanting Vedic mantras and bhajans
- Ringing bells and blowing conchs
- Devotees floating flower-and-lamp offerings on the river
- Priests performing synchronized movements with large brass lamps as hundreds (or thousands) watch and participate.
Homage to Heritage
Radio Dhishum, which hosted the annual event, shared its own video, noting:
“On July 4, 2025, the serene banks of the Credit River glowed with hundreds of diyas, divine chants, and heartfelt devotion… From soothing bhajans, mantras, and shloka chanting by kids to the divine Ganga Aarti — it felt like Varanasi had arrived in Toronto.”
Mixed Reactions to the Ganga Aarti
The viral video attracted over 4,000 views and sparked a wave of mixed reactions. While some viewers appreciated the approach, others criticized it, accusing the participants of contributing to river pollution.
So, let’s find out the facts about the positive and negative impacts.
Ganga Aarti: Positive and Negative Impacts
The ritual holds both profound significance and environmental implications.
Positive Impacts
- Spiritual Connection: Ganga Aarti promotes inner peace and devotion, reinforcing faith and cultural identity for many, particularly those living abroad.
- Community Engagement: It fosters a sense of togetherness, encouraging inter-generational bonding and community spirit.
- Cultural Preservation: The ritual preserves ancient arts and traditions, offering aesthetic and emotional upliftment through synchronized movements and Vedic chants.
- Environmental Awareness: Many modern versions emphasize themes of “Clean Ganga” and encourage sustainable practices.
Negative Impacts
- Pollution Concerns: Offerings often include non-biodegradable materials that can harm aquatic life.
- Overcrowding: Popular ghats can suffer from litter and waste, contributing to environmental degradation.
- Noise and Air Pollution: Loudspeakers and large crowds can disrupt wildlife and add to pollution around the riverbanks.
