- Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall married in 2005
- Kick off their third tour of India, reflecting important relationship with UK
- Nine day visit begins today in Rishikesh with Aarti ceremony
- Sunset ceremony is a daily Hindu religious ritual of worship
Charles and Camilla have begun their third and most extensive tour of India as a married couple.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visit the country yet again in just eight years, reflecting the importance the UK places on its relationship with India.
They arrived at Jolly Grant Airpot, Derhadun today marking the start of their nine day tour.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales take part in an Aarti ceremony in India
Their Royal Highnesses were met by the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, The Honourable Vijay Bahuguna, and officials from the British High Commission.
The welcome was simple and quick as the Royals had to go witness and participate in a daily traditional Hindu ceremony in the holy Hindu city of Rishikesh.
They seemed to enjoy themselves and get along well with residents.
The couple crossed the famous River Ganges by boat, arriving at the Gita Bhavan landing stage near the Parmarth Ganga Ghat where the the Sunset Aarti ceremony took place.
On arrival, the Prince and Duchess were greeted by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj, President and Spiritual Head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, and Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswatiji, President of the Divine Shakti Foundation.
Charles and Camilla have a chuckle at the Sunset ceremony in Rishikesh on their first day of touring India today
This is their Royal Highnesses' third official tour to India together since they got married in 2005
The spiritual leaders accompanied the Royal couple on foot from the landing stage to Parmarth Ganga Ghat, a journey of 5-10 minutes, along a traditional trading street.
A number of Rishikumars - young boys in colourful yellow robes who live and study at the ashram - walked ahead of The Prince and The Duchess to clear the way.
Having removed their shoes privately, the Prince and Duchess were then escorted by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj down a short flight of steps to the river bank to observe the havan ceremony. There, prayers were offered to a sacred fire.
The Prince and Duchess are at the Parmarth Miketan Temple on the banks of the River Ganges
They are presented with a large garland during the daily traditional Hindu ceremony
After the havan ceremony, the Prince and Duchess were invited to sit on the steps in the centre of the Ghat, surrounded by Rishikumars (boys studying in the Ashram).
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj and the Rishikumars then sung religious songs, after which the couple were presented with small Aarti lamps and joined other participants in circling them clockwise.
On completion of the ceremony, the Prince and Duchess departed through the courtyards of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
Charles and Camilla seem to be getting on well with everyone as they are presented with a gift
Hinduism is the majority religion in India, with some six hundred million Hindus currently living in the country. There is also a Hindu majority within the British Indian population.
The essence of the Aarti ceremony is to thank God for the light which he has provided throughout the day. In thanking God for the light of the sun and the light of life, the idea is to offer back the light of thanks, the light of love and the light of devotion.
As a leading exponent of inter-faith dialogue and religious understanding, The Prince of Wales makes regular visits to major faith communities both in the UK and overseas.
During his current tour of India and Sri Lanka The Prince will meet representatives from Christian, Bhuddist, Hindu, Muslim and Jewish communities.
The couple were presented with small Aarti lamps and joined other participants in circling them clockwise
The couple participate in the ceremony along India's most famous river in the holy Hindu city
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