Quick answer: The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat takes place around sunset. Allow about 45–60 minutes for the ceremony and arrive 45–60 minutes early. For a morning experience, explore Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat. Confirm the day’s start time locally before setting out.
What is Ganga Aarti?
Ganga Aarti is an offering of light to the river, revered in Hindu tradition as Ganga Maiya. At the ghats of Varanasi, priests lift brass lamps as conch shells, bells and devotional chants fill the evening air.
Families gather on the steps and watch from the river. Some come to offer thanks, some to remember loved ones, and others to simply sit with the rhythm of the ceremony. A personal puja can be arranged separately with a Pandit according to your family’s intention.
Ganga Aarti timings: plan around the light
The evening ceremony follows sunset, while Assi’s morning programme begins around dawn. Seasons, river conditions and special occasions can affect the schedule.
Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Allow time to experience the ceremony.
A quieter start with Subah-e-Banaras.
Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Allow time to experience the ceremony.
Scroll sideways to see the complete timing guide.
| EXPERIENCE | WHEN TO PLAN | BEFORE YOU GO |
|---|---|---|
| Summer evenings Dashashwamedh Ghat | Around sunset; generally later than winter. | Check the day’s start time and arrive early. |
| Monsoon evenings Dashashwamedh Ghat | Evening; arrangements may change with river levels. | Confirm ghat access and boat availability locally. |
| Winter evenings Dashashwamedh Ghat | Around sunset; generally earlier than summer. | Allow time for the walk through the old city. |
| Morning programme Assi Ghat | Around dawn; timing changes with the season. | Confirm the Subah-e-Banaras programme before travelling. |
Use this as a planning guide, rather than a fixed daily timetable. Ask your host or Pandit for the current start time.
Visitor reference: Incredible India: Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Find your place by the Ganga
Choose the evening gathering at Dashashwamedh, or the gentle pace of a morning at Assi. Each offers a different way to experience Kashi.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
For the evening gathering of lamps, incense and chanting. Watch from the ghat steps, or ask about an available boat viewing spot.
Choose how to watch
Assi Ghat
Explore Subah-e-Banaras, a dawn programme associated with Aarti, music and yoga. A thoughtful choice for an unhurried start.
Plan your morningA note on nearby ghats
Rajendra Prasad Ghat is near Dashashwamedh; ask locally about boarding points for boats. Mir Ghat is a separate ghat. Manikarnika is a working cremation ghat, not a public Aarti viewing venue. Respect families’ privacy and avoid photographing funeral rites.
Explore the ghats: Incredible India’s Varanasi guide.
How would you like to watch?
From the ghat steps
Stay close to the chanting and the gathered devotees. Public viewing from the steps is generally free; arrive early and keep walkways clear.
From the river
A boat offers a wider view of the lamps and riverfront. Agree on the price, duration and return point before boarding, and use a life jacket.
Make time for your family’s own prayer
A personal ritual is separate from the public Aarti. Share your intention, preferred language and travel plans with a Kashi Pandit, then confirm the location, materials and arrangements.
Personal Ganga Puja
A family offering of prayer and light beside the Ganga, with guidance on the ritual and materials.
Rudrabhishek
A Shiva ritual to include in your Kashi visit. Temple access and booking arrangements need separate confirmation.
Pind Daan
Ancestral offerings guided by your family tradition. Confirm the appropriate ghat and ritual details with your Pandit.
Ganga Tarpan
Water offerings in remembrance of ancestors, with guidance on sankalpa and family details.
Deep Daan
An offering of light. Ask your Pandit about suitable materials and follow local guidance to keep the river free of plastic and waste.
Share your family need
Choose your ritual, travel date and preferred language.
Confirm the arrangements
Discuss the meeting point, inclusions, fees and any temple permissions with your Pandit.
Arrive with time to settle
Keep your family details ready and leave room for the walk to the ghat.
Explore Pandits for Ganga Aarti in Kashi
Explore matching profiles and discuss your ritual, dates and arrangements with the Pandit.
This ritual is not currently available in the catalogue.
This ritual is not currently available in the catalogue.
A little planning, a more peaceful visit
Before you leave
- Confirm the day's Aarti time and arrive 45–60 minutes early.
- Allow time to walk through the old city's lanes to Dashashwamedh.
- Wear comfortable footwear and clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
- Discuss step access and support needs if travelling with older family members.
At the riverfront
- Keep steps and ceremonial areas clear for others.
- Ask before photographing people and follow the organisers' directions.
- Keep children close, especially near steps and the river.
- Agree on boat charges in advance; availability depends on local conditions.
Visiting for Dev Deepawali? Kashi’s riverfront takes on a special glow around Kartik Purnima. Expect larger crowds and changing access arrangements. Confirm the year’s local programme before booking travel.
Explore Dev DeepawaliFrequently asked questions
What time is Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
The evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat takes place around sunset and lasts about 45–60 minutes. The start time changes with the season and local arrangements. Confirm the day’s timing with your host or Pandit.
Is Ganga Aarti free to attend?
Public viewing from the ghat steps is generally free. Boat rides, reserved viewing arrangements and personal pujas are separate services; confirm any charges before agreeing to them.
Is there a morning Aarti in Varanasi?
Assi Ghat hosts Subah-e-Banaras, a morning programme associated with Aarti, music and yoga. Plan around dawn and check the current programme timing before you go.
How do I reach Dashashwamedh Ghat?
The ghat is in Varanasi’s old city near the Kashi Vishwanath area. Vehicle access can be restricted, so plan for a final walk through the lanes and confirm a clear meeting point with your host or Pandit.
Can international visitors attend?
Visitors of different faiths and nationalities attend the public ceremony. Dress respectfully and follow local directions. For a personal ritual, speak with a Pandit about participation and language support.
Does booking a personal puja include the public Aarti?
A personal puja is arranged separately from the public ceremony. Confirm the ritual, location, materials and fees with your Pandit; boat rides, reserved seats and temple access are not automatically included.