Every evening as the sun sets over the Ganga, the ghats of Varanasi come alive with one of the city's most striking rituals — the Ganga Aarti. If you're staying with us for the first time, here's what to expect.
What Is the Aarti?
The Ganga Aarti is a devotional fire ceremony offered to the river goddess Ganga. Priests perform synchronized movements with large, multi-tiered brass lamps, accompanied by chanting, bells, and drums. It's performed daily, rain or shine, at several ghats along the river.
When and Where
The main ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat begins around sunset, typically between 6:00 and 7:00 PM depending on the season, and runs for about 45 minutes. Arrive at least 30–40 minutes early to find a good spot — the crowds build quickly.
Best Way to Watch
You can watch from the ghat steps themselves, or hire a rowboat and view the ceremony from the water — a quieter, more atmospheric vantage point that also lets you avoid the crowd crush on land.
A Few Tips
Keep valuables close, as the ghats get crowded. Photography is welcome, but be respectful of those there for worship rather than sightseeing. And if you'd rather skip the walk back, our team at Rivera Palace can arrange a boat pickup right after the ceremony ends.