US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has toured the ghats and temples of Varanasi, including the famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. It seems that the aarti has left an indelible mark in his mind as Garcetti said that it was more than a ceremony- it was “a beautiful reminder of how tradition shapes us.”
Garcetti has shared his views, experiences, and pictures of his visit to the city on social media platform X. He exclaimed, “Namaste Varanasi! Excited to finally visit the ‘City of Light’, Looking forward to exploring ghats, ancient temples, and timeless traditions of this vibrant city.”
In another post, he spoke about Ganga Aarti and how it was one thing he should not have missed. “Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat was much more than a worshipping ceremony. And that is a beautiful reminder of how tradition shapes us,” he said. “The lights reflecting on the river, the nights reverberating with the tintinnabulation of bells, are indeed an affair to remember. Varanasi, you’ve touched my soul.”
The US Ambassador also shared an experience he had early in the morning. When the sunrise from the Assi Ghat seemed to greet the Ganges. He termed it a “surreal” experience. “Experiencing the sunrise over the Ganges from Assi Ghat was nothing short of surreal. What a joy to share this moment with so many others, who gathered in the early hours to witness such beauty!” he posted on X.
Earlier, Garcetti had gone to Kolkata on October 12 and joined in the festivities of Durga Puja in full swing. He undertook “pandal hopping,” a very local thing in the festival season where people move around temporary structures called pandals to see the artistic depictions of the goddess Durga. Sharing pictures of his visit, Garcetti tweeted, “Pandal hopping in Kolkata during Durga Puja is an experience like no other!
He further said, “Every pandal and home puja tells a story. And celebrates the unique spirit and heritage of the season. It’s such an honor to be part of this beautiful blend of art, history, culture, and community.”
Garcetti’s back-to-back visits to Varanasi and Kolkata reflect his admiration for the enriching cultural traditions of India. The experiences he shared on social media bear testimony to how these traditions have affected him.
ANI
