॥ శ్రీ గోదావర్యై నమః ॥ · Sri Godavari Devi ki Jai · 2027 Pushkaralu Full Details
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శ్రీ గోదావరి పుష్కరాలు 2027
Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 — dates, ghats, snanam, travel
Home › Godavari 2027 › Rituals › Evening Aarti

The Godavari Aarti: Timings & Guide

గోదావరి హారతి

Every evening, the river transforms. Priests board a floating stage, the lamps are lit, and thousands of voices chant together. Even if you bathed in the morning, this is the one ritual you should not miss.

The Godavari Aarti is a collective prayer performed at dusk. It is heavily inspired by the famous Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, but it has its own distinct energy here in Rajahmundry.

The main ceremony takes place at Pushkar Ghat. Priests in bright orange robes stand on a floating platform decorated with flowers. They hold massive, multi-tiered brass lamps (deepams) and wave them in synchronized, circular motions to the sound of bells and drums.

The reflection of the fire on the dark water is mesmerizing. You will see thousands of small oil lamps (diyas) floating downstream, lit by devotees. It is a deeply moving experience that captures the spiritual heart of the festival.

Priests performing the evening Godavari Aarti with large lamps on a floating stage

Quick Facts

Timing
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Main Location
Pushkar Ghat
Arrive By
6:00 PM (for a spot)
Crowd Level
Extremely High
Duration
30 minutes
Best View
Upper steps or nearby bridge
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Viewing Guide

Where should you stand?

Because the ceremony happens on the water, you need a good vantage point. The ghat steps fill up incredibly fast.

Best spots to watch

1. Pushkar Ghat (Main)
The center of the action. You will hear the chants loudest here, but it is shoulder-to-shoulder. Do not bring children into this specific crowd.
2. Kotilingala Ghat (Alternative)
They host their own aarti simultaneously. It is slightly less chaotic than Pushkar Ghat, and you still get the full experience.
3. The Godavari Bridge
If you want to avoid the ground-level crush entirely, stand on the old Godavari bridge. You can look down at the floating lamps and the crowds without being in them.
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Important

Safety Tips for the Aarti

While the aarti is peaceful, getting out of the ghat afterwards can be chaotic. Thousands of people will be moving towards the exits at the same time. Keep these three things in mind:

  • Do not stand on the lowest steps. Unless you are right at the water's edge behind a barricade, the press of the crowd from behind can be dangerous. Stay on the middle or upper steps.
  • Secure your valuables. Pickpockets take advantage of the darkness and the dense crowd. Keep your phone in your front pocket or a zipped bag.
  • Wait it out. Do not rush to leave immediately when the aarti finishes. Wait for 10-15 minutes on the steps. The crowd will thin out, and it will be much safer to walk.
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Common questions

Aarti FAQs

Do I need a ticket to watch the aarti?
No. It is a public ceremony. The state government hosts it for all pilgrims free of charge. There are no VIP tickets sold for the public viewing areas.
Is the aarti held every day of the festival?
Yes, it is held every evening from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM during the twelve days of the festival.
Can I take photos or videos?
Yes, photography is allowed for the general public. However, drones are strictly banned without police permission, and large professional cameras may be restricted on peak days.