Uttarakhand High Court Allows Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat Amid Legal Dispute
Significance of Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh
Rishikesh, often referred to as the 'Yoga Capital of the World', is renowned globally for its spirituality and tranquility. The Ganga Aarti held at Triveni Ghat is not merely a religious ritual; it offers a profound experience that fills the soul with peace and divinity. Recently, however, this cherished tradition faced some controversy.
The Uttarakhand High Court made a significant intervention in the ongoing legal dispute regarding the famous Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Prioritizing public interest and the sentiments of devotees, the court has permitted the continuation of the Aarti under certain conditions.
Court's Ruling and Background
Justice Ashish Nathani's vacation bench issued this order while considering public welfare and religious sentiments. The issue arose when the Rishikesh Municipal Corporation issued an order halting the Ganga Aarti conducted by the Shri Ganga Sabha, citing the expiration of its registration and claiming that it had no legal right to perform the ritual.
The Municipal Corporation also accused the Shri Ganga Sabha of commercial exploitation and creating litter. In response, the Sabha challenged this order in the High Court. The court emphasized the cultural significance of the Ganga Aarti, stating that it is not just a religious ceremony but an integral part of the ancient cultural and civilizational heritage of the Indian subcontinent, and abruptly stopping it would be inappropriate.
Temporary Arrangements and Future Hearings
While acknowledging that the Shri Ganga Sabha's registration had indeed lapsed and it lacked permanent rights, the court deemed it necessary to allow the Aarti to continue as a temporary measure. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for March 25, during which the court has suspended the Municipal Corporation's order to stop the Aarti.
Additionally, the court instructed that the Shri Ganga Sabha must not charge any entry fee or money from devotees wishing to participate in the Aarti.
Regulations for Conducting Aarti
Local vendors selling flowers, lamps, and other worship materials will not be charged any commission or rent without the Municipal Corporation's permission. The court also mandated that the Shri Ganga Sabha is responsible for ensuring that no litter is left at the ghat. Proper disposal of remnants such as flowers, camphor, and oil after the Aarti is essential to prevent pollution of the Ganga River.
Spiritual Importance of Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is the largest and most sacred ghat in Rishikesh, believed to be the confluence of three holy rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Pilgrims visit this site for ancestral rites and sacred baths, but the atmosphere transforms dramatically in the evening.
The Aarti at Triveni Ghat is often organized by the Gita Bhavan Trust, known for its serene and communal ambiance compared to other ghats. Here, devotees express their gratitude to Ganga Maiya, revered as the goddess of life.