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Time of India

Indian NRIs recreate Ganga Aarti in Canada, internet reacts with pride and divided opinions

Source: X In a moving celebration of Indian spirituality, the Indian diaspora in Canada recently hosted a grand Ganga Aarti on the banks of the Credit River in Mississauga, echoing the sacred rituals performed in Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. The event, organized by Radio Dhishum and attended by the Indian Consulate in Toronto, brought together scores of devotees clad in traditional attire. It was a profound display of cultural pride and community bonding far from home. While the ceremony was widely praised online, it also stirred debate over environmental concerns and the appropriateness of replicating sacred Indian rituals abroad. Ganga Aarti in Canada connects Indian community to their roots The Ganga Aarti was conducted in full ceremonial fashion by Radio Dhishum, a Canadian radio platform promoting Indian culture. The presence of Consul Sanjeev Saklani from the Indian Consulate in Toronto added official recognition to the event. Sharing visuals on X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate described it as a 'soulful evening of divine chants and pious mantras.' With incense, lamps, and river offerings, the ritual mirrored the ambience of Ganga-side aartis in India, signifying how deeply spiritual traditions are rooted within the global Indian community. The ceremony struck an emotional chord with many attendees. One participant, Priyanka Gupta, shared a viral video on Instagram, describing it as the most magical evening in her ten years of living in Canada. 'Not on the ghats of Varanasi or Haridwar, but right here in Canada,' she captioned. For many, the chants of 'Har Har Gange' reverberating across the Canadian park offered a rare, poignant reminder of home. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The event showcased how spiritual practices can be a powerful link to identity, especially for those living thousands of miles from their native country. Source: X Ganga aarti in Canada sparks mixed reactions over cultural pride and ritual authenticity While many praised the event for preserving Indian culture abroad, others questioned its symbolic authenticity. Supporters celebrated the diaspora's effort to keep traditions alive. 'Happy to see India and Canada culturally getting connected,' wrote one user. Another commented, 'What a beautiful coverage. We are so overwhelmed hearing this.' However, the event also drew criticism. Some online users felt performing Ganga Aarti outside India, especially in a different ecological and cultural setting, diminished its religious sanctity. One comment read, 'There is a reason it is called Ganga Aarti. Doing it in front of any river doesn't make it the same.' Others suggested that such rituals should be practiced within their original geographic and religious context. Ganga Aarti in Canada helps Indian diaspora reconnect with roots, amid debate For many Indians abroad, participating in religious ceremonies like Ganga Aarti is more than spiritual—it's a way to reclaim cultural identity and build community. In multicultural societies like Canada, these events help younger generations connect with their roots. They also serve as moments of pride for the diaspora, illustrating how Indian traditions can flourish globally while remaining rooted in their essence. Despite the debate, the event affirmed that identity is not limited by geography. For participants, the ritual reaffirmed their spiritual values and cultural connection, regardless of the continent on which it was practiced. In addition to symbolic debates, environmental considerations surfaced. Some critics questioned whether conducting rituals near the Credit River could affect the local ecosystem. Concerns ranged from the ecological impact of offerings to fire safety regulations in public spaces. Although no specific damage was reported, the event reignited broader conversations about how to balance cultural expression with local environmental norms and civic responsibility. Also Read | Inside Zomato's Deepinder Goyal's Rs 52.3 crore ultra-luxury home in Gurugram's DLF Camellias