Beware of scammers on the ghats. Touts and self-styled “guides” or “priests” roam the Ganga ghats and temple lanes, offering VIP darshan, pujas, boat rides or “donations for cremation wood”. Never pay anyone in advance, and never pay for a service before you have actually received it. Book temple services only through the official trust.
Timings through the year
| Season | Evening aarti starts (approx.) | Arrive by |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Nov – Feb) | 6:00 – 6:30 PM | 5:15 PM |
| Summer (Mar – Jun) | 6:45 – 7:15 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Monsoon (Jul – Oct) | 6:30 – 7:00 PM, may move up the steps | 5:45 PM |
The aarti follows sunset, so the start time shifts through the year. Ask your hotel for that day’s time.
Where to watch
Grandest
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Several platforms of priests in perfect sync, a huge crowd and the most electric atmosphere. Arrive early to get a spot on the steps, or book a seat.
Best view
From a boat
Boats moor in front of the ghat. You see the full spectacle without the crush — the best option for elders and children.
Read moreCalmer
Assi Ghat
A smaller, more relaxed evening aarti. Easier to find a place to sit.
At dawn
Subah-e-Banaras, Assi
The morning programme at Assi: aarti to the rising sun, Vedic chanting, classical music and yoga.
Reserved seating and boats
Some organisers and ghat-side establishments offer chairs or balcony places facing the aarti, and boatmen offer aarti-viewing rides. These are informal private arrangements, not run by the temple trust, and prices vary with the season and demand.
We can reserve a boat or a seat for you so you can arrive close to the start time without worrying. Use the form below.
Local tip. Float a leaf-boat diya (deep daan) on the river after the aarti — sold on the ghat for a few rupees. Ask a boatman to help you set it down safely.
Good to know
- Keep phones and wallets secure — crowds are dense and pickpockets operate.
- Photography of the aarti is allowed; please don’t use flash in the priests’ faces.
- Dashashwamedh is extremely crowded on festival evenings, especially Dev Deepawali.
- During floods the aarti continues on higher steps or rooftops nearby.
Request a booking
Reserve your Ganga Aarti seat or boat
Tell us the date and group size. We confirm a boat or seated spot and the meeting point on WhatsApp.
- English-speaking coordinator
- International numbers welcome
- No payment to enquire
FAQ