River story: Nestled in the historic town of Serampore on the city’s fringes, Alcove Realty’s New Kolkata is India’s only high-rise residential project set by the serene banks of the Ganga with direct access to the holy river. It has a private ghat, a beautiful riverside promenade, and a private river ferry service. To honour and express gratitude for the bounties of the mighty river that fill the surroundings with fresh air and spiritual vibes, Alcove Realty has started an annual tradition since 2018 that involves offering special prayers at the New Kolkata ghat. Organised earlier this month, the ceremony was very similar to the spectacular Ganga Aarti performed every evening along the banks of the river in the ancient, holy cities of Hardwar and Varanasi. More than 3,000 residents of the property along with many others of all ages and from all walks of life witnessed the grand ritual performed on the riverbank by Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, who came all the way from Rishikesh.

Spiritual leaders Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji with Alcove Realty project leaders