Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi: Booking | Timings | History

The Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi  is a must-see evening ritual, held daily at dusk. This spectacular ceremony, performed by a group of priests on the ghats, is dedicated to worshipping the sacred River Ganga. The atmosphere is filled with the sounds of conch shells, ringing bells, brass cymbals, and the chanting of mantras as priests, dressed in traditional kurta and dhoti, offer prayers using brass lamps that rise in tiers.

Overview: Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi

The preparations involve placing five elevated planks, an idol of Goddess Ganga, flowers, and incense sticks. The aarti is conducted by scholars well-versed in the Vedas and Upanishads, led by the head priest of the Gangotri Seva Samiti. Lasting about 45 minutes, the ceremony is a deeply spiritual experience.

At Ganga Aarti, the devotees offer their respects by floating small Diyas on leaf platters into the river. As the evening fades, the sight of countless lamps floating on the water creates an unforgettable, serene view. Visitors can enjoy the hour-long ritual from the ghats or from boats along the riverbank.

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Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi  at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi is a must-see event for anyone visiting the city. The mesmerizing evening ritual, dedicated to worshiping the River Ganga, attracts people from all walks of life, regardless of religion, caste, or creed. Though some consider it a commercialized activity, it remains a deeply spiritual experience.

Ganga Aarti Timing in Varanasi

Today, most ghats in Varanasi host the Ganga Aarti twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening. The morning aarti, known as “Subah-e-Banaras,” is famous at Assi Ghat and takes place between 5:00 to 5:30 am during summer, with later timings in winter.

For the evening aarti, Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most popular location. In summer, the ceremony typically begins around 7:00 pm and lasts for 45 minutes, but people start arriving as early as 5:00 pm. The timing of the aarti aligns with sunset and varies accordingly.

There are multiple ways to watch the Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi . You can view it from the ghats, or opt for VIP seating close to the platforms where the priests perform the rituals. VIP seating charges can range from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000.

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Varanasi Ganga Aarti Booking

There are no official entry charges for the Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Depending on when you arrive and the available space, you can watch the aarti from various spots, including the rooftops of nearby lodges, hotels, and restaurants. One of the best ways to witness the aarti is from a boat on the Ganga River. Boats can be hired from nearby ghats, and prices vary depending on whether you choose a private or shared boat.

Haggling is common, and you can choose between a manual or motorized boat. For large groups (5+ people), renting a whole boat can cost between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 6000. If you’re on a budget, you can opt for a shared boat ride, which costs around Rs. 300 to Rs. 600 per person, or choose a larger boat with seats priced between Rs. 150 to Rs. 600 per person.

Boats provide life jackets, although many people choose not to wear them unless specifically requested. The entire experience, including the Ganga Aarti and a short cruise past various ghats, lasts about two hours.

Our boat docked behind others, but we still had a clear view of the beautifully lit ghat, which was packed with people. Vendors came by selling tea, coffee, and even offering tilak services. The entire experience was mesmerizing, as the ghats at night offer a unique and spiritual atmosphere.

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The Ritual:  Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi

The Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi  at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a meticulously choreographed and spiritually uplifting ceremony. Performed by seven young, learned Brahmins of Kashi, the aarti symbolizes the Sapta Rishis who worshipped Maa Ganga.

Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi

The Ganga Aarti  ritual, conducted daily, involves chanting mantras and singing melodious bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva (Vishwanath) and Lord Vishnu. The priests, dressed in coordinated outfits of dhoti, kurta, and a stole or drape in various colors (white, saffron, pink, gold, or red), prepare for the aarti facing the River Ganga.

The Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi  ceremony begins with the priests chanting mantras and blowing the conch shell (शंख). A central platform displays an image of Maa Ganga, adorned with garlands and flowers. The aarti follows a set sequence, including offering incense and flowers to the river.

A major highlight is the movement of a multi-layered brass lamp, which resembles Sheshnag, the serpent king with multiple heads, often associated with Vishnu. The lamp, with its lit wicks, is moved in a rhythmic, clockwise direction, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.

Throughout the Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi  ritual, the priests chant mantras and “Har Har Mahadev,” filling the atmosphere with a sense of peace amidst the bustling crowd. Participating in the Ganga Aarti is believed to purify the soul and foster a positive environment. The entire experience of Ganga Aarti Kashi Varanasi  is both spiritually enriching and visually spectacular.