The evening aarti*

The mighty Ganges flows abound-

waters land of India,

Honouring her selfless embodiment,

Venerating prayers offered –

every evening on the banks of River Ganga.

A handful of priests assemble to offer obeisance,

Thousands of people like me gather, in utter amazement.

Signifying good tidings-

They start with blowing the conch,

Followed by synchronised movements of aarti-

aarti of various types, shapes and sizes,

Prayers of contentment fuel the air,

Fragrance of reverence fills the air.

I stand on banks of Ganga,

Goosebumps fill every inch of my body at the spectacle,

A handful of priests assemble to offer obeisance,

Thousands of people like me, gather in utter amazement,

She, who’s been nurturing us,

She’s who’s been reason of life-

is offered a tiny reciprocal of appreciation,

The sustenance of life.

130 words

Aarti* :- A Hindu ceremony in which lights with wicks soaked in ghee are lit and offered up to one or more deities.

The evening aarti :- Poem inspired by experiences of my parents when they witnessed the evening aarti of River Ganges at Varanasi.

Please find a video of evening aarti here. (Courtesy :- http://www.wildfilmsindia.com)

Acknowledgements :- Thank you Brendan for hosting Earthweal Weekly Challenge & Earthweal Open Link Weekend#133. Thank you Carrie for hosting Sunday Muse #225 ( Prompt:- Water and Wind). Thank you all for stopping by and reading.