Ganga Aarti at Sunrise - Varanasi

Ganga Aarti at Sunrise - Varanasi captures the luminous atmosphere of the sacred Ganga Aarti ceremony witnessed by MINA during her travels in Varanasi, India.

Ganga Aarti is a sacred Hindu ceremony held along the banks of the River Ganges, traditionally at dusk. Priests offer prayers to the river through the movement of illuminated lamps, incense, flowers and other devotional offerings, accompanied by chanting, bells and devotional music. As flames are raised in rhythmic gestures, the river, worshippers and surrounding ghats become part of a deeply atmospheric ritual expressing gratitude, reverence and spiritual connection.

Inspired by the artist's own experience and photographs taken at the ceremony, the painting transforms the spectacle into a rhythmic composition of light, silhouette and repetition. Ceremonial flames illuminate the figures performing the Aarti, while the seated audience forms a dark foreground against the warmth of the ritual.

Rather than documenting the ceremony literally, MINA interprets the memory through colour and simplified form, preserving the sense of stillness, community and spiritual atmosphere experienced beside the River Ganges.

Part of The Varanasi Collection, a body of work inspired by places personally visited and experienced by the artist during her years in India.

Artwork details

• Artist: MINA — Wilhelmina Odoley Quaynor
• Year: 2023
• Medium: Acrylic on canvas
• Dimensions: 61 × 61 cm
• Original artwork. One of one.