What time is the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat begins around sunset and lasts about 45 minutes. That means roughly 6:30–7 PM in summer and about 5:30–6 PM in winter. Timings are set by the organisers and shift with the season; arrive 45–60 minutes early for a good place. It is free to watch.
Quick facts
- Where
- Dashashwamedh Ghat (and neighbouring ghats); also Assi Ghat
- When
- Every evening, around sunset
- Duration
- About 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free to watch; boats are paid
On this page
What is the Ganga Aarti?
The Ganga Aarti is a daily evening worship of the river Ganga as a goddess. Young priests in matching robes stand on raised platforms facing the river and perform a synchronised ritual with incense, large multi-tiered brass lamps, conch shells, fans of yak-tail and peacock feathers, and flowers, accompanied by bells and devotional songs.
It is performed outside on the ghats, not inside Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and anyone can watch.
Where
- Dashashwamedh Ghat — the main and best-known aarti, with a neighbouring aarti at the adjoining ghat. See Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Assi Ghat — an evening aarti and a morning programme at dawn. See Assi Ghat.
When
The evening aarti begins around sunset, so the time moves through the year — earlier in winter, later in summer. It lasts about 45 minutes. The organisers set the time; ask at your hotel or on the ghat that day.
Where to watch from
| Spot | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| The ghat steps | Close to the priests, part of the crowd | Very crowded; arrive early |
| A boat on the river | Full view of the platforms and lamps; less crush | Paid; boats crowd together; agree fare first |
| Nearby rooftops or balconies | Overview | Views vary; some charge |
In the monsoon
When the river floods (roughly July to September), the ghats go under water and the aarti moves to higher steps or nearby rooftops. Boats may be suspended for safety.
Special occasions
On Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima), the aarti is at its grandest, with the ghats lit by lamps. Expect enormous crowds.
Etiquette
- Stay seated if others are seated; don't block views.
- Photography is common, but don't use flash towards the priests and don't climb onto platforms.
- Decline "special seat" offers unless you know what you are paying for.
Planning your evening
Combine the Ganga Aarti with afternoon darshan at Kashi Vishwanath, about 1 km away. The Sapta Rishi Aarti inside the temple usually overlaps in time, so choose one per evening.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ganga Aarti free?
Yes, watching from the ghat is free. Boats and some rooftop viewpoints charge.
How long is the Ganga Aarti?
About 45 minutes.
Is there a morning Ganga Aarti?
Yes, a dawn programme with aarti is held at Assi Ghat. Check the current time locally.
Does the Ganga Aarti happen during the monsoon?
Yes, but when the river floods it moves to higher steps or rooftops, and boats may not operate.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh — Government source, checked September 2026
- Ghats in Varanasi (encyclopaedia entry with cited references) (opens in a new tab)
Wikipedia — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Incredible India — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India — Government source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
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