Dashashwamedh or Assi, steps or boat? How to choose the best place to watch Varanasi's evening Ganga Aarti.
Two ghats hold a regular evening Ganga Aarti that most visitors come to see: the grand ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat and a smaller one at Assi Ghat. Where you watch from matters as much as which ghat you choose.
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | Assi Ghat | |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Grand, many priests on platforms | Smaller and simpler |
| Crowd | Very crowded | Lighter |
| Access | Walk from Godowlia | Easy by road |
| Best for | First-time visitors, the full spectacle | Families, elderly guests, a calmer evening |
Arrive 45–60 minutes early to get a seat on the steps facing the platforms. Neighbouring ghats such as Rajendra Prasad Ghat also give a view. Keep valuables close — it gets packed.
From a boat you face the priests directly, see the lamps reflected on the river and avoid the crush on the steps. Book a private boat for the Dashashwamedh Aarti or the Assi Ghat evening Aarti. Prices start at ₹3,499 per boat — see the Aarti boat price list.
Last updated: 8 October 2026 · All Varanasi guides
