Witness The Mesmerising Narmada Arti at Narmadapuram: A Symphony Of Sight and Sound

By Outlook Traveller

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Narmada aarti is a symphony of sight and sound

Unlike the more popular Ram Ghat in Ujjain that overlooks the Kshipra river and hosts the Kumbh Mela, Sethani Ghat in Narmadapuram (earlier known as Hoshangabad) is subdued in character. Lined with little shops and quaint old single-storey houses, the labyrinth that leads to the ghat gives no hint of the splendid view at the end of it. Painted in bright colours, the steps at the ghat overlook a calm river as devotees take dips and offer prayers at the little shrines on the banks.

Quiet flows the river

Sethani can be seen in its full ornate glory on Narmada Jayanti in early February when hundreds of people throng the banks, and offerings of haldi, kumkum and flowers adorn the river. But a regular day has its own charm too. Every evening as the sun sets on the river, the ghat comes alive with enthused chants, aarti and the sounds of bells, cymbals and dholaks. Priests wielding majestic thalis with foot-long flames offer prayers in unison, making this an artistic performance apart from a devotional one. The Narmada, flowing calmly beneath, reflects the reverence as devotees and visitors play a part of their own - either singing, chanting or clapping to a common rhythm. 

Come one, come all

Reverence for the holy Narmada can be seen across a large part of Madhya Pradesh. Along the river's route starting from Amarkantak - where it originates - pilgrims can be seen walking (often barefoot) in what is called the Narmada Parikrama. It is an arduous journey of circumambulating the river that lasts for months. It is in respect for the river that the Sethani Ghat was built with generous contributions from Jankibai Sethani in the 19th century - to make the river accessible to all.

For soothing sounds of the aarti and the display of devotion, the Narmada aarti at Sethani Ghat is a must-do in Narmadapuram.

The Information

Madhya Pradesh has many other spiritual centres like Narmadapuram:     

Omkareshwar

Home to one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Shiva, Omkareshwar is located on Mandhata, an island on the Narmada River. Many believe this sacred town is shaped like the holy syllable of Om. Millions of devotees flock to the temples here throughout the year, and witness the aarti on the Narmada. But a visit on Mahashivratri is considered particularly auspicious.   

How to get there: It has its own railway station. But the closest airport is Indore (88km).

Amarkantak

Amarkantak is where the Narmada rises from the womb of the earth. It's also where the Satpuras and the Vindhyas meet. Blessed naturally and spiritually as a destination, it's more than just another pitstop for pilgrims. And the most important date in the calendar year? Well, it's Naramada Jayanti, celebrated around Makarsankranti, in January.  

How to get there: The closest railway station is at Pendra Road (20km) and the closest airport is Jabalpur (220km). 

Chitrakoot

Devotees who throng the temples of Chitrakoot believe it has a powerful spiritual and umbilical connection to the epic, Ramayana. Ram, Sita and Laxman apparently spent their years in exile in the forests of Chitrakoot or 'the hill of many wonders', which is why, Ramnavami is celebrated here with great fervour every year.

How to get there: The closest railway station is in Chitrakoot itself (75km) away and the closest airport is at Allahabad (106 km).

Source URL: https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/mp/wellness/read/sunset-show-in-narmadapuram/