Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, July 18, 2014: Blessing Mother Ganges in Varanasi, India

Every evening just after sunset in the three holy cities of India the evening ritual of Aarti takes place facing the river. Here in Varanasi on elevated floodlit platforms on the banks of the Ganges the Hindu priests chant and sign songs in praise of Mother Ganga.

At the same time, little lamps are lit by devotees who cup their hands over the flame and raise their palms to their forehead in order to get the Goddess's purification and blessing. The lamps are then floated out into the river as part of their prayers and devotions.  After this ritual is complete and the crowds disperse until the next evening.