Hinduism is a religion of intricate and highly symbolic rituals. Visually, these rituals include a dynamic play of light (lamps), colors, textures, hand gestures, and body postures and movements. These rituals include a strong element of aesthetic pursuit.
Recently, during my trip to Varanasi , I witnessed the spectacular Hindu ritual called the ‘Ganga Aarti’ held at the banks of the River Ganges daily at the crack of dawn on the Assi Ghat.
This ritual can potentially express a wide range of emotions including love, devotion, obeisance, gratitude or thanksgiving to a particular God or a group of Gods/Deities, for the benevolence and grace bestowed on humankind, or it can be a part of a prayer for seeking positive energy, strength and peace of mind.
