Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti
परमार्थ निकेतन
The largest ashram in Rishikesh. The Ganga Aarti fire ceremony held every sunset is a must-see experience.
Parmarth Niketan was founded in 1942. It has more than a thousand rooms and offers yoga and meditation courses along with accommodation. Each March it hosts the International Yoga Festival. Every day around sunset (roughly 17:30 to 18:30, earlier in winter), the Ganga Aarti is held on the riverside steps. Monks and schoolchildren chant hymns and wave fire lamps, while devotees float flower lamps on the river. The white statue of Shiva in the river is a landmark. Entry is free. Arrive 30 minutes early to get a good spot, remove your shoes before entering, and keep an eye on your belongings.
Opening hours
Fire ceremony around sunset; ashram open all day
Nearby sights
- Janki Setu
- Ram Jhula
- Sivananda Ashram (Divine Life Society)
- Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
- Bharat Mandir
- Triveni Ghat
- Lakshman Jhula
- Tera Manzil Temple (Trayambakeshwar)