Aarti Puja in Panauti
A Land of Pujas
Without religion, there is no Nepal. Mountainous landscapes, dense jungles, and urban sprawls would be nothing more than an empty husk if it wasn’t for the daily rituals that make the country truly stand out from the rest. Colorful clothing, burning incenses, elaborate temples, and rhythmic music bearly scratches the surface of all the culture that Hinduism brings to the foot of the Himalayas.
No matter what town you come across in Nepal, you will find pujas, or worship, happening anywhere from the houses of the residents to the temples themselves. In the town of Panauti, a mere 37 km from Kathmandu, you can get a taste of Nepali country life and a more intimate glimpse at the culture of an ancient people.
You can read more on what to do in Panauti here!
Praying By The River
Aarti is a form of puja which takes place all over the Hindu world. The significance of the aarti is to show devotion to a certain god and even to become one with that god’s spirit. This form of worship can be seen anywhere from the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi to the humble river which cuts through Panauti. Although the Aarti may be used to praise a different god, the function is more or less the same.
Every 15 days on the Nepali calendar, devotees gather along the Punyamata River to praise the goddess Brahmani. This goddess is known for controlling the waters as well as floods. This particular aarti puja was performed on the third day of Falgune (फाल्गुण) or February 15th. Be sure to ask locals when the puja will be performed to not miss out on a spectacular experience.
You can read more about aartis in Varanasi here!
As Night Falls, The Lights Come Out
While along the ghats in Varanasi you will find scores of Hindu pilgrims and foreign tourists coming from all corners from the globe, Panauti’s offering of fire was something that was just stumbled upon. At around 5 pm on a Friday, middle-aged and elderly women began placing candles along the steps that led into the river. After some further investigation, it was found that this puja happens bi-monthly at 6 pm.
What the puja lacks in tourist numbers is more of a blessing than anything else. Rather than fighting with crowds and standing elbow to elbow, you get to interact with the locals of Panauti who are more than willing to share their culture with curious passersby. With the flickering lights glowing in front of the silhouette of towering temples, you get an experience which is uniquely Nepal.
Get a closer look on where to stay and what to do in Panauti here!
Breathing Life Into The Temple
As the candles were being laid out, more and more local devotees made their way to steps of Tribeni Ghat in Panauti. These women and a single male priest continued their rituals in the form of smiles, laughter, and even song. Not even the rain was enough to stop the women from lighting the flames and blasting music in the most historic center of Panauti.
The temples of Nepal are never a place that is devoid of life. During the day, worshippers can be seen ringing bells, bathing and praying in the shrines. During aarti, however, the stupas and temples truly come to life with the glimmering lights and the sound of the shankha echoing throughout the city.
You can read more about the shankha here!
Unity Through Prayer
Just like any church congregation, this group of people showed their devotion and reverence to the god through unity. They collectively lit candles, bowed, prayed, rang bells, and chanted in unison. For outsiders becoming immersed and connected with the community may seem like a daunting task. Some may conjure up feelings that they are interrupting or disrupting their puja.
As long as outsiders come from a place of respect and curiosity, people regardless of creed are usually willing to open you with open arms. The same can be found at this aarti puja. Attempt to ask questions, sing, dance, and the locals are sure to treat you as one of their own. They will even try their best to have you as involved in the worship as you’d be willing to be.
Going Out With A Bang
At the peak of the ceremony, after all the flames and incense were presented to the four directions, the devotees chanted together as the last flames were lit. Offerings (Prasad) were then distributed amongst the participants. According to Hinduism, god lives within each and every one of us. Therefore, food prepared for god is prepared for all people.
After the moving, hollowing puja, a dance party ensued. Around a mega speaker, the locals and priest alike praised their gods by twirling and moving to the music. Many religions rely on mournful hymns and proving their subservience to god in order to show devotion. Hinduism, however, is a relgion which is brimming with color and life, celebrating the god in each and every one of us.
