Varanasi · New riverfront · Opened 2024
Namo Ghat, Varanasi Location, Features & Visitor Guide
Namo Ghat is one of Varanasi’s newest riverfronts, formally inaugurated on 15 November 2024. It lies between Rajghat and Adi Keshav Ghat and was built for open space, easy access and comfortable views of the river.
The basics
What Is Namo Ghat?
Namo Ghat is a modern riverfront on the Ganga in Varanasi, redeveloped from the older Khidkiya Ghat under the Smart City programme. Unlike the historic ghats, which grew over centuries, it was planned as a single open space, with a viewing deck, an open-air theatre and large sculptures at its entrance.
It sits between Rajghat and Adi Keshav Ghat, near the point where the Varuna river meets the Ganga, at the northern end of the ghats. The ghat was formally inaugurated on 15 November 2024, the day of Dev Deepawali that year.
Because it is new, Namo Ghat feels very different from the crowded steps of Dashashwamedh Ghat and the older stretches to the south. Facilities and programmes are still developing, so it is worth checking what is open before you go.
| Location | Between Rajghat and Adi Keshav Ghat, Varanasi |
|---|---|
| Earlier name | Khidkiya Ghat |
| Foundation stone | 2018, according to the Kashi official web portal |
| Inaugurated | 15 November 2024 |
| Built under | The Smart City Mission, with support from the Indian Oil Foundation (as reported) |
| Features | Viewing deck, open-air theatre, three large “namaste” sculptures, floating jetty, parking and a cafeteria |
| Accessibility | Reported to be the first ghat in Varanasi designed to be accessible to visitors with disabilities |
| Best time to visit | Evening, for the light on the river; confirm any programme locally |
What is here
What You Will Find at Namo Ghat
Viewing deck
A raised deck for looking out over the river, listed on the Kashi official web portal.
Open-air theatre
An open-air space for events and viewing, reported in press coverage of the ghat.
“Namaste” sculptures
Three large folded-hands sculptures at the ghat, which represent the idea of welcoming guests — “atithi devo bhava”.
Floating jetty
A floating jetty and changing rooms, as reported at the inauguration.
Parking and cafeteria
Parking and a cafeteria are listed as part of the project, which helps families and groups.
Accessible design
Reported to be Varanasi’s first ghat designed with access for visitors with disabilities.
Facilities are described from the official portal and press reports, and they may change. Confirm what is open before you travel.
Old and new
Namo Ghat Compared with the Older Ghats
| Aspect | Namo Ghat | Older ghats (Dashashwamedh, Assi) |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | A modern, planned riverfront with wide open areas | Historic steps, lanes and shrines built up over centuries |
| Crowds | Generally reported to be lighter than the central ghats | Very busy, especially at aarti time and on festivals |
| Best for | Comfortable viewing and photographs of the river | Atmosphere, ritual and tradition |
| Heritage | New: opened in 2024 | Centuries of history and legend |
For the traditional ritual experience, see Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat. Our Ganga Aarti guide compares all the venues.
How it came about
How Namo Ghat Came About
Namo Ghat was formerly known as Khidkiya Ghat. Its foundation stone was laid in 2018, and the redevelopment was carried out as part of Varanasi’s Smart City programme. The finished ghat was formally inaugurated on 15 November 2024, which was also the day of Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima) that year.
The name echoes “Namo” and the folded-hands “namaste” sculptures that greet visitors. The ghat has been promoted as an additional place to experience the Ganga, and as a riverfront that is easier to reach and to move around than the older ghats.
Getting there
How to Reach Namo Ghat
| By | How |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Rajghat and Adi Keshav Ghat, at the northern end of the ghats, near the Varuna–Ganga confluence. |
| By road | There is parking at the ghat. Cabs and autos can take you to Rajghat, so confirm the exact drop point with your driver. |
| With our team | Message us and we can arrange a cab and suggest timings for your visit. |
Local advice
Tips for Visiting Namo Ghat
- Check the schedule. Because the ghat is new, confirm any aarti or events before you travel.
- Go in the evening for the light on the river, and carry a warm layer in winter.
- Combine it with a boat ride to see the older ghats too — see our Ganga boat ride.
- Do both old and new. Pair Namo Ghat with an evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat to feel the contrast.
Plan a route
Places to Visit Near Namo Ghat
Combine these in one outing — each has its own visitor guide.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The main ghat, for the traditional evening Ganga Aarti.
Read the guide →
Manikarnika Ghat
Further along the ghats to the south — the city’s main cremation ghat.
Read the guide →
Ganga Aarti
Compare aarti venues across the city.
Read the guide →Quick answers
Namo Ghat: Frequently Asked Questions
Namo Ghat is a modern riverfront on the Ganga in Varanasi, redeveloped from Khidkiya Ghat under the Smart City programme. It has a viewing deck, an open-air theatre and three large folded-hands “namaste” sculptures.
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.