The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat begins around 6:30 PM in winter and 7:00 PM in summer, and lasts about 45 minutes. It is held every evening, free of charge. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early for a good spot.
Ganga Aarti timings
| Aarti | Where | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Evening aarti (winter) | Dashashwamedh Ghat | from about 6:30 PM |
| Evening aarti (summer) | Dashashwamedh Ghat | from about 7:00 PM |
| Morning aarti | Dashashwamedh Ghat | about 4:30 – 5:00 AM |
| Subah-e-Banaras (morning) | Assi Ghat | before sunrise |
What happens at the aarti
Young priests in saffron robes stand on wooden platforms facing the river. To the sound of conch shells, bells and chanting, they offer incense, flowers and large multi-tiered brass lamps to Maa Ganga in perfect rhythm. The ghat steps fill with devotees, and hundreds of small leaf-boat diyas float on the water.
Boat or ghat: where to watch from
| From a boat | From the ghat steps | |
|---|---|---|
| View | Full front view of all platforms, with the lit ghats behind | Close to the priests; you feel part of the crowd |
| Crowd | Calm, seated | Very crowded, especially weekends and festivals |
| Best for | Families, elders, photographers | Those who want to be in the middle of the ritual |
| Arrive | 45–60 minutes early to get a front-row boat | 30–45 minutes early |
Booking a boat in advance gets you a front-row position without the last-minute rush.
Tips
- Keep your phone and wallet secure — the ghat gets very crowded.
- Take a sunrise boat ride the next morning to see the ghats at their most peaceful.
- Combine the evening with darshan at Kashi Vishwanath and Kal Bhairav.
- On Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima, 24 November 2026) the ghats are lit with lakhs of diyas; boats and hotels sell out weeks ahead.
See it with us
The Ganga Aarti is included in our Spiritual Varanasi 3-day tour and every tour that stays in Varanasi.
Related guides: Ganga Aarti · Varanasi city guide · Kashi Vishwanath