Ganga Aarti in Varanasi: where and how to watch it

The evening Ganga Aarti is the moment most visitors remember from Varanasi. Priests in matching robes raise large brass lamps, blow conch shells and chant as the light fades over the river.

Where is the main aarti?

The best-known ceremony takes place every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat, with a second one at the neighbouring Rajendra Prasad Ghat. A smaller, calmer aarti is held at Assi Ghat, which also has a morning aarti.

When to arrive

The aarti starts around sunset, so the time shifts through the year. Arrive 45 minutes to an hour early to find a place on the steps, especially on weekends and festival days.

Steps or boat?

From the steps you feel the crowd and the chanting up close. From a boat you see the whole line of priests and lamps against the ghat. Many guests do both on different evenings.

Getting there from the hotel

Dashashwamedh is a short auto-rickshaw ride from Harishchandra Ghat Road, or a pleasant boat ride along the ghats. Ask at our front desk and we will help you arrange it.