Top 5 Ghats to Watch Ganga Aarti in Banaras – Best Spots for a Spiritual Evening
The holy city of Banaras (also known as Varanasi) is synonymous with spiritual awakening, age-old traditions, and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti – a sacred fire ritual dedicated to the River Ganga. Every evening, as the sun sets and the river reflects the golden hues of flames, thousands gather to witness this spiritual symphony. But where should one go to truly experience this magical event?
If you’re planning to witness this divine spectacle, here’s a guide to the Top 5 Ghats to Watch Ganga Aarti in Banaras, curated for both first-time travelers and seasoned devotees.
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat – The Heart of Ganga Aarti
🔥 Why It’s Special:
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most iconic location for the Ganga Aarti in Banaras. Located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this ghat becomes a spiritual hotspot every evening. Priests dressed in saffron robes perform synchronized rituals with conch shells, incense sticks, and fire lamps, creating a breathtaking atmosphere.
🕖 Aarti Timing:
Evening Aarti: Around 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in summer
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in winter
Arrive 45 minutes early for a good spot.
📍Pro Tips:
Get a boat seat on the Ganges for a panoramic view.
Ideal for photography, first-time visitors, and spiritual seekers.
2. Assi Ghat – A Peaceful Yet Powerful Experience
🔥 Why It’s Special:
While Dashashwamedh is grand and crowded, Assi Ghat offers a more peaceful version of the Ganga Aarti. This ghat is popular among students, artists, and those looking for a more introspective connection with the divine.
Organized under the Subah-e-Banaras initiative, the morning aarti here is also an experience worth waking up early for. However, the evening aarti, with music and mantras under the open sky, is absolutely soothing.
🕖 Aarti Timing:
Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM
Evening Aarti: Around 6:30 PM
📍Pro Tips:
Great for yoga lovers and peace seekers.
Stay nearby to attend both morning and evening rituals.
3. Rajendra Prasad Ghat – Close to Dashashwamedh Without the Chaos
🔥 Why It’s Special:
Just next to Dashashwamedh lies the Rajendra Prasad Ghat, often overlooked but equally divine. If you want to enjoy the Ganga Aarti in Banaras without being stuck in the crowd, this is your sweet spot.
From here, you can witness the entire ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat while sitting in relative peace and capturing clear visuals.
🕖 Aarti Timing:
Same as Dashashwamedh (since it’s adjacent)
📍Pro Tips:
Perfect for families or elderly travelers.
Best ghat for wide-angle photography of the Aarti.
4. Panchganga Ghat – The Confluence of Spiritual Power
🔥 Why It’s Special:
The Panchganga Ghat, where five sacred rivers are believed to meet, is less touristy but deeply spiritual. Aarti here is quieter and more traditional, often attended by local devotees and saints.
This ghat is also home to several ancient temples and has a more authentic, old-Banaras feel to it.
🕖 Aarti Timing:
Evening Aarti typically starts by 6:00 PM
📍Pro Tips:
Great for those wanting a non-commercial experience.
Combine with a temple walk or a heritage walk through the lanes of Banaras.
5. Scindia Ghat – For a Mystical, Lesser-Known Vibe
🔥 Why It’s Special:
Tucked between the Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh Ghats, Scindia Ghat is peaceful, less crowded, and mysterious. The submerged Shiva temple nearby adds to its allure.
Although not as popular as Dashashwamedh for the Aarti, locals do perform their own versions here with oil lamps and chanting. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something truly offbeat.
🕖 Aarti Timing:
Not official, but often happens around sunset (6:30 PM) by locals
📍Pro Tips:
Ideal for meditation lovers, solo travelers, or spiritual writers.
Best visited during Shravan month or festivals.
✨ Why Watch Ganga Aarti in Banaras?
Watching the Ganga Aarti in Banaras is not just about the rituals – it’s about feeling the rhythm of a city that lives and breathes devotion. With the scent of incense in the air, rhythmic chants echoing across the ghats, and thousands of oil lamps floating down the Ganges, it’s an unforgettable experience that touches the soul.
Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a cultural explorer, or a photographer, this moment can leave you transformed.
Ganga Aarti in Banaras: Key Rituals & What to Expect
Priests hold multi-tiered brass lamps and perform rituals in unison.
Shankha (conch) blowing marks the beginning.
Offerings of flowers and diya (lamps) float down the river.
The chant of “Har Har Gange” fills the air with energy.
Each of these rituals signifies purification, gratitude, and a spiritual connect with Ma Ganga.
📆 Best Time to Visit for Ganga Aarti in Banaras
Best Season: October to March (cooler and festive atmosphere)
Special Occasions:
- Dev Deepawali – grandest Aarti with lakhs of diyas
- Shravan Month – holy time dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Ganga Dussehra – river worship festival
✅ Quick Tips Before You Go
📸 Camera Ready? Carry a phone with low-light capabilities or DSLR.
🛶 Boat Booking: Arrive early if you want a good seat in a boat.
🧘♀️ Mindful Etiquette: Dress modestly and maintain silence during rituals.
💰 Donations: Not compulsory but appreciated.
Final Thoughts
The Ganga Aarti in Banaras is more than just a tourist attraction – it’s a spiritual encounter. Choosing the right ghat to watch it from can significantly enhance your experience.
Whether you’re enchanted by the grandeur of Dashashwamedh, the tranquility of Assi, or the hidden charm of Scindia, every ghat in Varanasi offers its own slice of divine magic.
So next time you visit the city where time slows down and the soul awakens, make sure to witness the Ganga Aarti from one of these top 5 ghats in Banaras – your heart will thank you for it.