The Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri is held twice every day, at sunrise and at sunset, and the evening aarti is the most popular with visitors. Because it follows the sun, its clock time changes through the year, so check the time locally on the day and arrive early for a place.
When the aarti happens
According to the Ministry of Tourism’s events portal, the aarti at Har Ki Pauri has two sittings: the Mangala aarti at sunrise and the Shringar aarti at sunset. Uttarakhand Tourism says the Ganga aarti is held at dusk every day, and that the ghats also have a morning aarti.
Sunset in Haridwar comes earlier in January than in April, so the evening aarti moves with it. The Ministry’s page, last updated in 2022, lists its live broadcast as 6 pm to 7 pm, but that fixed slot does not follow the season. Treat it as a rough guide only. We found no timetable published by Shri Ganga Sabha itself. Ask at the ghat, or at the place you are staying, on the day.
Who holds it, and where
The same Ministry page says the aarti was started by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916 and has been organised by Shri Ganga Sabha ever since. The Ministry of Tourism’s Incredible India site places the evening aarti at Brahmakund, the section of Har Ki Pauri where, according to tradition, drops of amrit fell.
The aarti is an act of worship, not a show. Lamps are offered to the river while bells ring, conches sound and hymns are recited. Stand or sit quietly, and join in if you wish.
How to watch
- Arrive early. If you want a place to sit on the steps, come well before sunset.
- Either bank works. The Ministry page says people gather on both banks of the river every day, so you can watch from across the water if the steps by Brahmakund are full.
- Keep your group together. Agree a meeting point before the aarti starts, and keep children’s hands in yours when the crowd leaves.
- Mind the river. The official Kumbh guidance asks pilgrims not to put flowers, plastic or offerings directly into the river. Use the bins and collection points, and follow what the ghat staff ask.
- Watch your belongings. Keep valuables secure, and do not accept services or help from people you do not know, as the official guidance advises.
- Ask before photographing people at prayer, and keep your phone low so others can see.
If you cannot travel, the Ministry of Tourism’s events portal has a live-streaming link for the evening aarti.
The aarti during the Kumbh
Nothing has been announced about aarti timings or viewing on the 2027 bathing days. In September 2025 the Chief Minister directed officials to arrange the aarti and seating for pilgrims at Har Ki Pauri, but that is a direction, not a published plan.
On the biggest days the ghat is kept for the akharas. At the 2021 Kumbh, on the 14 April shahi snan, Har Ki Pauri was reserved for the akharas alone, and the mela police said all akharas had to finish their bath there before sunset. We found no official record of how the evening aarti was arranged on those days. In 2027 the Amrit Snans are listed for 6 March, 8 March, 15 March and 14 April (provisional). If you want a calm evening at the aarti, choose a day that is not an Amrit Snan, and follow police directions on the day.
Read more on the Har Ki Pauri page and the Brahmakund page, or start from the Haridwar ghats guide. For taking pictures with care, see photographing ascetic traditions with respect.
Sources
- Haridwar Ganga Aarti (Live Darshan) · Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (Utsav portal; details supplied by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board) ·
- Haridwar · Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Government of Uttarakhand ·
- Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar: A Spiritual Oasis by the Ganges · Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India ·
- History: Haridwar · District Haridwar, Government of Uttarakhand ·
- Haridwar Kumbh 2027 preparation review and permanent-works deadline · Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Uttarakhand ·
- Shahi snan in Haridwar: Lakhs ignore Covid-19 concerns to take holy dip · Press Trust of India (via Deccan Herald) ·
- Pilgrim Dos & Don'ts: Haridwar Kumbh 2027 (official website) · Haridwar Kumbh Mela administration, Government of Uttarakhand ·
- Snan and Events: Haridwar Kumbh 2027 (official website) · Haridwar Kumbh Mela administration, Government of Uttarakhand ·