Every evening, it feels like time stands still along the banks of the sacred river Ganges in the ancient city of Varanasi as soon as the Ganga Aarti begins. The deep reverberations of conch shells, chimes of temple bells, synchronized choreography of the priests moving the brass lamps, and rhythmic chanting of the Vedic hymns- everything feels unreal. No matter how many times you witness this spectacle, it will never fail to captivate you. But for first-time visitors, it will always be special. Hence, make sure that you know which os the 84 ghats you must visit for the best experience. Let’s know which is the best ghat for Ganga Aarti in Varanasi.
Where To See Ganga Aarti In Varanasi? Best Ghat For Ganga Aarti In Varanasi
Varanasi has over 84 historic ghats stretching along the riverbank, and multiple of these locations host Ganga Aarti simultaneously. But as a first-time visitor, which ghat is the best for witnessing this spectacle? Well, that might actually depend a lot on your personal preference.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
If you have ever seen documentaries or videos or pictures of Ganga Aarti, there is a high chance that they are from this ghat. Located right in the heart of this ancient city, Dashashwamedh is the main, most famous, and also the oldest ghat in Varanasi. It is well-known for hosting grand Ganga Aarti every day at dusk.
This ghat is also very revered in Hindu mythology as it is believed that Lord Brahma performed the ten horse sacrifice here, which gave the ghat its name. Dash means ten, Ashwa means horse, and medh means sacrifice.
The world-famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedha Ghat is a grand, 45-minute-long spiritual ritual. This ritual is executed every day by a group of 7 to 9 young priests. They are clad in saffron or white silk dhotis and kurtas; they synchronise multi-tiered brass lamps carrying towering flames and peacock feather fans. For them its not just a ritual; it is a highly choreographed symphony of sound, light, and devotion.
The scale of Ganga Aarti here is unmatched, with 108 glowing oil wicks. The crowd is in thousands and is one of the most crowded ghats in Varanasi. During the culmination of the aarti, the entire crowd joins in the final chants and generates a vibrating collective energy. It is perfect for first-timers who wish to get that grand, theatrical sensory experience of the Ganga aarti.
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Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is another famous ghat in Varanasi and is located at the southern end of the primary ghat stretch where River Assi meets River Ganga. But unlike the Dashashwamedh Ghat, this ghat offers a very peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. It hosts a soulful and beautiful Evening Ganga Aarti every evening.
The vibe here during Ganga Aarti is significantly calmer and different. The biggest reason behind this is the crowd density, which is lower here, as compared to Dashashwamedh or other central ghats. Here you can easily find a spot on the stone steps to witness the aarti without feeling overwhelmed.
It is the perfect choice for travellers looking for a serene and spiritual experience and photo enthusiasts. It is perfect for people who do not like crowds. The ghat is very famous for its Subh-e-Banaras ritual. It is said to be a collective celebration of yoga, culture, and spirituality for well-being and harmony.
If you wish for a quieter version, you can also visit ghats like Kedar Ghat, Namo Ghat, Raj Ghat, or Rajendra Prasad Ghat.
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What Time Is Ganga Aarti In Varanasi?
The main evening Ganga Aarti begins shortly after sunset. It lasts for 45 minutes daily. The aarti starts at around 7:00 PM during summers (April to September) and 6:00 PM during winters (October to March).
Tips For First Time Visitors
- If you wish to sit on the steps of the Dashashwamedh Ghat, make sure you reach the place 45 to 60 minutes earlier than the scheduled start.
- The Ganga Aarti is a living ritual, so make sure you wear modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
- It is better to wear comfortable footwear, especially sandals or slip-ons instead of shoes. This is because you might have to remove your footwear if you are seated near the sacred wooden platforms.
- One of the most memorable rituals is to float small eco-friendly leaf boats filled with flowers and a tiny oil lamp. So do not miss it.
- Recording the Ganga aarti will help you revisit the moment and show it to your friends. But make sure that you keep the phone or camera aside and simply witness this beautiful spectacle.
- You can also book a classic wooden rowboat to witness the Ganga aarti. It offers an unobstructed view of all the seven platforms and the aarti.
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Summing Up
Watching the glowing brass lamps mirror across the dark waters of the Ganges is surely an experience that will be etched in your memory forever. So make sure you choose the right ghat and get your first-time Ganga aarti experience right with the best atmosphere.
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