Why it matters
Dashashwamedh is the central ghat, a short walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The evening aarti here draws thousands of people and is the signature experience of a Varanasi trip.
- About 1.5 to 2 hours including the aarti
- Evening for the Ganga aarti; arrive 45 minutes...
Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi: Ganga Aarti Timing, Best Viewing Spots & Tips
The main and busiest ghat of Varanasi, famous for the nightly Ganga aarti performed by priests with lamps and chanting.
LocationCentral Varanasi, near Godowlia
Time neededAbout 1.5 to 2 hours including the aarti
Best timeEvening for the Ganga aarti; arrive 45 minutes early for a good view.
EntryFree; seating platforms and boats are paid
Overview
The main and busiest ghat of Varanasi, famous for the nightly Ganga aarti performed by priests with lamps and chanting.
- Best time: Evening for the Ganga aarti; arrive 45 minutes early for a good view.
- ui.facts.timings: Open all day; the evening aarti starts around sunset and lasts roughly 45 minutes.
- Time needed: About 1.5 to 2 hours including the aarti
- Dress code: Modest and comfortable
- Nearby: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Man Mandir Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat
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Good to know
Visiting Dashashwamedh Ghat: what to know
Where to watch from
You can stand on the steps, take a seat on a platform near the front, or watch from a boat anchored a little off the ghat. The boat view is calmer and gives you the full scene with the lamps reflected on the water.
Tips
Keep valuables secure in the crowd, agree boat prices before boarding and avoid feeding the offerings sellers who approach aggressively.
How to reach
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a short walk from Godowlia crossing. Cars stop at Godowlia or the nearest permitted point and you walk through the lanes. From Assi Ghat you can also take a boat directly to Dashashwamedh.
What the aarti is like
The evening aarti is a choreographed ritual with several priests, large lamps, incense, conch shells and chanting. It lasts around 45 minutes. The atmosphere is devotional and festive.
Where to watch from
- Ghat steps: free but crowded.
- Platforms or chairs near the front: usually a small fee, arrive early.
- A boat: calmer, full view, comes with the boat charges.
- Rooftop cafes: a distant but comfortable view; book ahead.
Stay safe in the crowd
- Keep valuables in a secure bag or at the hotel.
- Do not accept offers to buy offerings from touts if you do not want them.
- Agree the boat fare and duration before boarding.
- Stay seated in the boat during the aarti.
Photos
Photos
Trip details
Quick facts
- Dress code
- Modest and comfortable
- Nearby
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Man Mandir Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat
- Photography
- Allowed on the ghat. Be respectful of rituals
- Timings
- Open all day; the evening aarti starts around sunset and lasts roughly 45 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about Dashashwamedh Ghat
What time is the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat?
It begins around sunset, so the clock time shifts through the year. Reach the ghat about 45 minutes before dusk.
Is the aarti free?
Watching from the steps is free. Seating platforms and boats are paid options.
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Add to your trip
Tours and trips that include Dashashwamedh Ghat
Varanasi 1 Day Tour Package
Kal Bhairav, Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna and Sankat Mochan darshan, an evening boat ride and the Ganga aarti in one day by private cab.
- Darshan at Kal Bhairav, Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna and Sankat Mochan
- Evening boat ride from Assi Ghat
- Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Varanasi Sunrise Boat Ride
Row along the ghats at first light, from Assi to Dashashwamedh and back.
- Sunrise ride, usually 5:30 to 7:00 AM
- Hand boat (up to 6) or private motor boat (up to 10)
- Boarding from Assi, Ravidas or Namo Ghat
Varanasi 2 Days 1 Night Tour Package
Day one in the old city and on the river, day two for Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan, BHU and Sarnath.
- Kal Bhairav, Kashi Vishwanath and Annapurna darshan
- Evening boat ride and the Ganga aarti
- Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas and Sankat Mochan
Ganga Aarti Boat Ride
Watch the evening Ganga aarti from a boat on the water with a reserved spot.
- Evening ride, usually 5:00 to 7:00 PM
- Ganga aarti watched from the river
- Hand boat (up to 6) or private motor boat (up to 10)
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