Varanasi · Southern ghats · River Ganga
Assi Ghat, Varanasi Subah-e-Banaras, Ganga Aarti & Visitor Guide
Assi Ghat is the southernmost major ghat of Varanasi, where the Assi stream meets the Ganga. It is best known for Subah-e-Banaras, a free sunrise programme of chanting and music, and for an evening aarti calmer than the one at the main ghat.
The basics
What Is Assi Ghat?
Assi Ghat is the southernmost of the major ghats of Varanasi, at the point where the Assi stream meets the Ganga. It is one of the largest ghats in the city, with wide steps used for everything from morning yoga to evening gatherings.
Many Hindus believe that the poet-saint Tulsidas departed from Assi Ghat, which links it with the nearby Tulsi Ghat. Today it is popular with pilgrims, students from Banaras Hindu University and long-stay visitors, and it feels more relaxed than the busy central ghats.
Assi is also a favourite starting point for boat rides and ghat walks, and on Dev Deepawali it draws very large crowds.
| Location | Southern end of the ghats, Varanasi, where the Assi stream meets the Ganga |
|---|---|
| Known for | Subah-e-Banaras, morning and evening Ganga Aarti, boat rides |
| Subah-e-Banaras | A free morning programme started in 2014 by the Uttar Pradesh government |
| Associated with | The poet-saint Tulsidas |
| Entry | Free, open to the public |
| Best time to visit | Sunrise for Subah-e-Banaras, or dusk for the evening aarti |
| Time to allow | 1 to 2 hours |
| Stay nearby | Our budget AC hotel in Shivala is about 2 minutes from Assi Ghat |
The morning ceremony
Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat
Subah-e-Banaras — “the morning of Banaras” — is a daily early-morning programme started in 2014 by the Uttar Pradesh government. It is free to attend, begins before sunrise and lasts about two hours.
The programme includes Vedic chanting, a yajna (sacred fire ritual), a tribute to the five elements (Pancha Tattva), classical music performances and yoga. It is one of the most peaceful ways to experience Varanasi, and a good place to catch the first light on the river.
Morning and evening
Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat holds its own Ganga Aarti in the morning and evening. The evening aarti is smaller and more intimate than the one at Dashashwamedh Ghat, so it suits travellers who want the ritual without the largest crowds. For a full comparison of venues, see our Ganga Aarti guide.
| Session | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Subah-e-Banaras and morning aarti | Around sunrise (about 5:30 AM; it moves with the season) |
| Evening Ganga Aarti | Around dusk; the time follows sunset and changes with the season |
Timings follow sunrise and sunset, so confirm the day’s schedule locally — especially in the monsoon, when high water can move ceremonies to higher ground.
Make the most of it
Things to Do at Assi Ghat
Watch the sunrise
Arrive before dawn for Subah-e-Banaras and the first light on the river.
Take a boat ride
Boats leave from the ghat, and morning and sunset rides show the ghats at their best. See our Ganga boat ride.
Walk the ghats
A heritage walk north from Assi passes Tulsi Ghat and many more.
Attend the evening aarti
A calmer alternative to the main aarti, at a ghat with a relaxed, local feel.
Visit nearby temples
Sankat Mochan and the Durga Temple are a short ride away.
Enjoy the ghat cafés
The lanes and steps around Assi have tea stalls and cafés, good for a slow morning.
Getting there
How to Reach Assi Ghat
| By | How |
|---|---|
| Location | At the southern end of the ghats. Our hotel in Shivala is about 2 minutes away. |
| By road | Cabs, autos and e-rickshaws reach the road above the ghat, and you then walk down the steps. |
| From the central ghats | Take a cab or auto south, or come along the river by boat. |
| From the airport or station | Take a cab to Assi. Airport pickup and drop can be arranged. |
Local advice
Tips for Visiting Assi Ghat
- Arrive early. Get to the ghat about 30 minutes before sunrise for Subah-e-Banaras, and bring a light layer in winter.
- Agree boat prices first. Confirm the price and duration before you board, or book through a trusted operator.
- Mind your belongings. The steps get crowded in the evening, so keep valuables secure.
- Plan around Dev Diwali. The ghat is extremely busy on that night — read our Dev Diwali guide before you go.
Plan a route
Places to Visit Near Assi Ghat
Combine these in one outing — each has its own visitor guide.
Tulsi Ghat
Just north of Assi along the ghats — the ghat linked with Tulsidas.
Read the guide →
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
The Hanuman temple traditionally founded by Tulsidas, near the Assi area.
Read the guide →
Durga Temple
The red temple beside Durga Kund, a short ride away.
Read the guide →
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The main ghat, for the biggest evening Ganga Aarti.
Read the guide →In pictures
Assi Ghat: Photo Gallery
Quick answers
Assi Ghat: Frequently Asked Questions
Subah-e-Banaras is a free daily early-morning programme at Assi Ghat, started in 2014 by the Uttar Pradesh government. It includes Vedic chanting, a yajna, a tribute to the five elements, classical music and yoga, and lasts about two hours.
Timings, rules and fees at temples and ghats can change with the season and on festival days. Details on this page were last checked in September 2026 — please confirm on the day, especially for aarti and darshan times.
Plan your visit
Make the Most of Your Varanasi Trip
Ganga Boat Ride
See the ghats and the aarti from the river — book a boat ride with our local team.
Learn more →Stay Near the Ghats
A budget AC hotel in Shivala, close to Assi Ghat, run by the same team.
Learn more →Dev Diwali 2026 Guide
Visiting on Kartik Purnima? Dates, timings and how to watch the ghats light up.
Learn more →Varanasi Tour Packages
Let us plan temples, ghats and aarti into one easy itinerary.
Learn more →More Places to Visit in Varanasi
Temples, ghats and the Ganga Aarti — see the full guide to places to visit in Varanasi.
Planning a Trip to Varanasi?
Message us for real local advice on timings, routes and where to stay — from a team based in the city.