Varanasi · Things to do

Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh गंगा आरती

Daily, at dusk

Ganga aarti — priests on raised platforms swinging tiered brass lamps, the crowd behind them

Ganga aarti — priests on raised platforms swinging tiered brass lamps, the crowd behind them

At dusk — around six in winter and seven in summer — priests on raised platforms at Dashashwamedh perform the aarti to the Ganga with tiered brass lamps, conch, incense and bells, moving in time with the bhajans. It runs about three quarters of an hour and is followed by a large seated crowd.

Dashashwamedh is the principal ghat of Varanasi, close to the Vishwanath temple. Legend says Brahma performed ten ashwamedha sacrifices here; the present ghat was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in 1748 and rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1774.

The steps fill well before it starts. Arrive early for a place, or take a boat and watch from the water, which is both easier on the legs and a better view. A smaller, quieter aarti is performed at Assi Ghat at the same hour if the crowd at Dashashwamedh is too much.

Things to do

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