Triveni Ghat
Mayakund, Rishikesh, India
On the banks of the Ganges River, Rishikesh's Triveni Ghat is a major hub for Hindu pilgrims. It's at its liveliest around sunset, when a prayer ritual known as the Ganga aarti occurs. During this ritual, priests pray to the river using giant lanterns, and worshipers set small oil lanterns made of leaves afloat into the river.
Many devout Hindus believe that bathing in Triveni Ghat will allow them to wash away their sins and purify their spirit. Others visit the holy spot only to experience the aarti or take photos. If you’re not familiar with Hindu beliefs or are a first-time visitor to Rishikesh, it’s worth joining a tour of the city that includes a stop at Triveni Ghat. Guides can explain the beliefs behind rituals and help visitors understand practices that may be confusing.
Visiting Triveni Ghat during the aarti is a must-do experience for photographers and spiritual seekers.
The ghat can get crowded when the aarti takes place, so arrive early to secure your seat if you want a good view of the ritual.
The main platform of the ghat is even and flat, so wheelchair users can access it with some help. However, getting into the water requires descending stairs.
Do not take photos of people while bathing, particularly if they’re undressed or partially dressed.
Triveni Ghat is located on the northern banks of the Ganges River, near the center of Rishikesh and about a 15-minute taxi ride south of Ram Jhula. The easiest way to get the ghat from other major cities and towns is by taking a train to Haridwar and catching a taxi, bus, or shared auto-rickshaw—known as a Vikram—the rest of the way.
While the ghat is at its most vibrant during the evening aarti ceremony, it’s a great place to visit any time of day. Many people come here to bathe or collect sacred river water, known as Ganga jal, at sunrise, and photographer-friendly morning light and cool temperatures make waking up early a good choice.
Triveni Ghat is not the only place where evening aarti ceremonies take place. If you’re staying in and around Ram Jhula, where many of Rishikesh’s guest houses and ashrams are located, you might find it easier to attend the ceremony at the ghat of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram instead. This evening ceremony is also led by priests, often with the help of young students who come to the ashram to study Vedic traditions and philosophy.
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