Varanasi is home to over 80 ghats along the Ganges, and many of them host daily Ganga aartis that are a mesmerising sight. The aarti is a devotional ceremony of light, fire, and prayer offered to the river goddess Ganga. Here is a complete guide to the timings of aartis at the most important ghats.
Key Takeaways
- Morning Aartis (4 AM - 7 AM)
- Evening Aartis (6 PM - 9 PM)
- Ghat-by-Ghat Timings
- Tips for Attending Aartis
Morning Aartis (4 AM - 7 AM)
The day begins with the Brahma Muhurta aarti, the most auspicious time for spiritual practices. Assi Ghat hosts one of the most popular morning aartis, where hundreds of devotees gather before dawn. Dashashwamedh Ghat also performs an early morning aarti that is equally powerful.
Evening Aartis (6 PM - 9 PM)
The evening aartis are the most spectacular and well-attended. The Dashashwamedh Ghat evening aarti is the most famous, with its grand display of multi-tiered brass lamps, conch shells, and rhythmic chanting. The show runs for about 45 minutes and draws thousands of tourists and devotees every evening.
Ghat-by-Ghat Timings
Each ghat has its own unique style and timing for aartis. While some ghats perform aarti once daily, others like Manikarnika and Harishchandra have rituals throughout the day. Always check locally as timings may shift during festivals and seasonal changes.
Dashashwamedh
Evening 6:30 PM daily, morning 5:30 AM
Assi Ghat
Morning 5:00 AM, evening 6:00 PM
Manikarnika
Continuous rituals day and night
Harishchandra
Morning and evening aartis at dawn and dusk
Tips for Attending Aartis
Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the aarti to secure a good viewing spot. Boat rides during the evening aarti offer a spectacular perspective from the river. Respect the sanctity of the ceremony and avoid blocking the view of devotees performing the rituals.
Quick Tips
Dashashwamedh evening aarti at 6:30 PM is the must-watch event. Arrive by 5:45 PM for a good spot. Boat view is the best. Photography allowed but be respectful.
Frequently Asked Questions
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