Evening aarti on the Pushkar ghats
Pushkar Lake is one of the most sacred bodies of water in Hinduism, and a bath here, especially at Kartik Purnima, is believed to wash away sins. The 52 ghats around it were built over centuries by rulers and families from across India, and many are named after them. Each has its own temples and priests.
In the late afternoon we walk the lane to one of the main ghats with your guide, remove shoes, and find a place on the steps. As the sun drops, priests light large lamps and perform aarti, moving the flames in circles to the sound of bells and chanting. Pilgrims float leaf boats with marigolds and small lamps. The ritual lasts about 20–30 minutes.
Your guide explains the meaning of each part and handles any offering, so you are not drawn into the donation requests common on the ghats. Photography of the ceremony is usually fine from a distance, but not of people bathing. On festival days the ghats are crowded; we choose a quieter spot.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What time is the aarti at Pushkar Lake
The main evening aarti takes place around sunset, roughly 5.30–7 pm depending on the season. A morning aarti is also held at dawn. Times vary by ghat and festival, so your guide confirms on the day. We walk to one of the main ghats in the late afternoon to find a quiet place on the steps. The ritual lasts about 20–30 minutes, with lamps, bells and chanting, as pilgrims float leaf boats with marigolds.
Can tourists take photos at Pushkar ghats
Photography of the aarti and the lake is generally allowed from a respectful distance. Photographing people bathing is not acceptable, and some ghats prohibit cameras near the water. Ask your guide, and put the camera away when asked. On festival days the ghats are crowded, so we choose a quieter spot where you can watch and photograph without pressing close to pilgrims. Sunrise from the Savitri temple gives a wider view of the lake.
How do I avoid the flower scam in Pushkar
Men posing as priests sometimes give flowers on the ghats, lead a short prayer and then ask for a large donation. Politely decline flowers you have not asked for. If you want to make an offering, your guide will arrange it with a temple directly.
Also in Pushkar
More hours to plan around
