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Experience the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony, take a boat ride on the Ganges River, visit the nearby temples, and explore the vibrant market around the ghat. Don't miss the spiritual and cultural atmosphere, especially at sunrise and sunset.
This is the busiest river altar on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. It is the place where Lord Brahma performs the ten-horse sacrifice and has a very sacred religious status.
The ghat is composed of five large stone platforms, the largest of which is the central one, flanked by two smaller ones. Every evening, the ghat is packed with worshippers, with the Puja ceremony being the largest. As dusk falls, priests in yellow silk robes clean and arrange their instruments before beginning the day's rituals. Each Hindu solemnly chants hymns, a gesture of gratitude to the river deity. The steps of the ghat are lined with vendors selling flowers, tikkas, rosaries, and other religious items, attracting worshippers, beggars, and tourists from all over the world.
Suitable for travel all year round
The ceremony lasts about an hour
No tickets required
It is open all day, and the night festival usually starts at 18:30 in the evening. The time will be adjusted in different seasons.
Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the oldest and most famous ghats in Varanasi. It is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva. The ghat is central to the spiritual activities of Varanasi, where daily Ganga Aarti takes place.
Dasaswamedh Ghat is located in the heart of Varanasi, India, along the Ganges River. You can reach it by taxi, rickshaw, or on foot from nearby areas like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is about a 5-minute walk from the Varanasi Kashi Railway Station.
Dasaswamedh Ghat is open 24/7, but the best times to visit are early in the morning for boat rides and in the evening for the Ganga Aarti, which takes place from around 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
There is no entry fee to visit the ghat. However, there are charges for boat rides and participation in the Ganga Aarti. Tickets for boat rides can be bought locally.
Booking tickets in advance is not required for general visits to the ghat. However, for boat rides, it is advisable to book a few hours or a day in advance during peak seasons to secure a spot.
Exploring the ghat, watching the Ganga Aarti, and taking a boat ride will typically take around 2-3 hours. However, you can spend more time if you plan to visit nearby temples or markets.
The main highlight is the Ganga Aarti ceremony, which takes place in the evening. Other highlights include the numerous temples, the riverfront, and the bustling market area around the ghat.
Yes, guided tours are available in English and Hindi. Audio guides can also be rented, providing insight into the history and cultural significance of the ghat and surrounding temples.
The best photography spots are along the riverbank during the Ganga Aarti, especially from the boat. The ghat offers stunning views of the river and surrounding temples, with the backdrop of the rising or setting sun.
Start with a boat ride along the Ganges River at sunrise or sunset, then visit the temples and walk along the ghat. Be sure to stay for the Ganga Aarti in the evening, which is the most spiritual and visual highlight.
Night visits are very popular due to the Ganga Aarti. There are no light shows, but the Aarti itself is a mesmerizing visual experience. Special boat tours are also available in the evening to witness the ceremony from the river.
Dasaswamedh Ghat is generally crowded, especially in the evening during the Aarti. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays, avoiding weekends and major festivals.
Basic facilities like toilets, water stations, and small shops are available around the ghat. There are food stalls and cafes nearby, but facilities are generally limited directly at the ghat.
Dasaswamedh Ghat has steps leading down to the river, making it difficult for elderly or disabled visitors to access. However, nearby areas are accessible by foot and rickshaws. Children will enjoy the lively atmosphere and boat rides.
Cash is widely accepted for boat rides and small purchases, but mobile payments and cards may be accepted in some shops and restaurants nearby. Carrying cash is advisable.
Nearby restaurants include "The Kashi Chat Bhandar" for local snacks, "Aqua" at the Ramada Hotel, and "Dolphin Restaurant" offering a variety of Indian and international cuisine.
Yes, many restaurants around the ghat offer vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options. Traditional Indian vegetarian food is widely available, especially in the local eateries.
Nearby accommodations include "Hotel Alka," "Ramada Plaza," and budget options like "Shiva Guest House" and "Baba Guest House" which are within walking distance of the ghat.
Nearby attractions include Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, and the New Vishwanath Temple. These can be easily visited in one day, combined with a visit to Dasaswamedh Ghat.
Yes, there are many souvenir shops around the ghat selling items like religious idols, brass artifacts, incense, and hand-painted pictures of the Ganges River and Varanasi temples.
After visiting Dasaswamedh Ghat, taxis, rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are the best options for continuing your trip. The Varanasi Railway Station is nearby for train journeys, and Varanasi Airport is a short drive away.
