Varanasi · Main ghat · Evening Ganga Aarti
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi Ganga Aarti Timing, History & Visitor Guide
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat of Varanasi and the setting for its best-known evening Ganga Aarti. This guide covers the aarti timing by season, the legend behind the name and the best ways to watch.
The basics
What Is Dashashwamedh Ghat?
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi, on the western bank of the Ganga and close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is the busiest ghat in the city and the place where most visitors see the Ganga Aarti for the first time.
The name comes from a legend: according to Hindu tradition, Brahma created the ghat to welcome Shiva and performed ten Ashwamedha (horse) sacrifices here — dasa means ten. The ghat as it stands today was rebuilt in the 18th century, by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in 1748 and again by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1774.
By day it is a bustling stretch of steps, boats and small shrines. At dusk it becomes the stage for the evening aarti.
| Location | Central Varanasi, on the Ganga, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple |
|---|---|
| Named for | Brahma’s ten Ashwamedha sacrifices (Dasa-Ashwamedha) |
| Rebuilt | 1748 by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao; 1774 by Ahilyabai Holkar |
| Evening Ganga Aarti | Daily at dusk, lasting about 45 minutes |
| Aarti start time | Roughly 5:45–6:00 PM in winter (Oct–Mar) and 6:45–7:00 PM in summer (Apr–Sep) |
| Special aartis | Tuesdays and religious festivals |
| Entry | Free |
| Time to allow | 1 to 2 hours, including arriving early for a good spot |
Every evening
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
The Ganga Aarti is performed every evening at dusk. Several priests stand in a row on raised platforms and wave large multi-tiered brass lamps in unison, to chanting, bells and conch shells. It lasts about 45 minutes, and hundreds of people watch each night.
Special aartis are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals.
| Season | Approximate start |
|---|---|
| Summer (April–September) | Roughly 6:45–7:00 PM |
| Winter (October–March) | Roughly 5:45–6:00 PM |
The aarti follows sunset, so the start shifts with the season, and published sources differ by about 15 minutes. Arrive at least 45 minutes early and confirm locally. On Dev Diwali the ghat is far more crowded.
Choose your view
How to Watch the Aarti: Steps, Boat or Terrace
From the ghat steps
Free and atmospheric, but crowded. Arrive early to sit on the steps, because standing room fills up quickly.
From a boat
Boats anchor on the river facing the ghat, giving a wider view and more space. See Ganga Aarti boat booking.
From a rooftop or café
Some buildings overlooking the ghat offer paid viewing from above. Check the price and the view before you commit.
For a calmer evening, see the aartis at Assi Ghat and Namo Ghat. Our Ganga Aarti guide compares them all.
Legend and history
History of Dashashwamedh Ghat
According to Hindu tradition, Brahma created the ghat to welcome Shiva, and performed ten Ashwamedha sacrifices here. The ghat is closely tied to the neighbouring Kashi Vishwanath area.
- 1748
The ghat was rebuilt by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao.
- 1774
Ahilyabai Holkar, Queen of Indore, reconstructed it again.
While you are here
Things to Do Around the Ghat
- Walk the ghat and the lanes behind it, lined with small shops and shrines.
- Visit the nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple — see our Kashi Vishwanath guide.
- Take a boat ride along the ghats at sunrise or sunset. See Ganga boat rides.
- See Manikarnika Ghat from the river, at a respectful distance.
Getting there
How to Reach Dashashwamedh Ghat
| By | How |
|---|---|
| By road | Vehicles stop near Godowlia, and from there it is a short walk down to the ghat. Traffic in the area is heavy in the evening. |
| From Kashi Vishwanath | The ghat is close to the temple, so you can walk between them. |
| By boat | Boats along the ghats stop here, which suits combining a boat ride with the aarti. |
| Stay nearby | For rooms close to the ghat, see hotels near Dashashwamedh Ghat. |
Local advice
Tips for the Ganga Aarti
- Arrive early. At least 45 minutes before the aarti gets you a place on the steps.
- Protect your belongings. The crowd is dense, so keep bags in front of you.
- Dress for the weather. The river breeze is cold after dark in winter.
- Stay for the whole ceremony, and stay quiet — the aarti is a ritual, not only a show.
- Check boat prices first if you plan to watch from the river.
Plan a route
Places to Visit Near Dashashwamedh Ghat
Combine these in one outing — each has its own visitor guide.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Jyotirlinga temple, close to the ghat.
Read the guide →
Manikarnika Ghat
The city’s main cremation ghat, seen best from the river.
Read the guide →
Ganga Aarti
The full guide to where and how to watch aarti across Varanasi.
Read the guide →
Assi Ghat
A calmer alternative for the morning and evening aarti.
Read the guide →
Quick answers
Dashashwamedh Ghat: Frequently Asked Questions
It starts at dusk: roughly 5:45–6:00 PM in winter (October to March) and 6:45–7:00 PM in summer (April to September). It lasts about 45 minutes. Confirm the day’s time locally.
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.