Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the best-known of the Varanasi ghats and one of the essential places to visit in Varanasi at dusk. This guide covers the Ganga Aarti, its history and how to watch it.

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main bathing and ritual ghat in central Varanasi, a short walk from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Stone work on the ghat began in 1569; the present structure was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in 1748 and rebuilt by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1774, according to Wikipedia. Priests perform the Ganga Aarti here each dusk, with lamps, conch shells and chanting, for about 45 minutes.

Wikipedia gives the start as around 6 pm in winter and 7 pm in summer, with special aartis on Tuesdays and religious festivals, so confirm the time on the day. Hundreds of people gather every evening, and many watch from rented boats moored in rows in front of the steps, which is why the boats and the ghat steps fill early. The ghat is also a place for morning bathing, flower sellers, priests under umbrellas and boat negotiations.

It is an open public ghat with no entry ticket. Boat hire and any seat charges are set by private operators, so agree on the price and route before boarding. Arrive an hour early for a place on the steps, keep valuables secure in the crowd and take care near the water's edge.