Chitrakut’s day begins and ends at Ram Ghat on the Mandakini — the snan at dawn, the aarti at the light changes, and boats drifting pilgrims along the river for the evening ceremony (reported ~₹100 rides). The aarti windows circulate as morning ~5:30–6:30 AM, evening ~6–7 PM, season-shifting — no official schedule exists, so these are locally-confirmed-on-arrival figures.
Checked 02 October 2026.
The facts
| Item | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Aarti windows | Morning ~5:30–6:30; evening ~6–7 | Unconfirmed — verify locally |
| Boat aarti viewing | ~₹100 rides (reported); occasional laser show | Unconfirmed |
| Deep Daan mela | ~12 lakh dip on main day; ~30 lakh over 5 days; 21,000-lamp aarti (Oct 2025) | Reported (NBT) |
| Snan | Free; ghat steps | Practical |
The Deep Daan phenomenon
Chitrakut’s own Diwali — the Amavasya lamp-offering commemorating the Ramayana years — has become one of North India’s biggest single-day snan events: the October 2025 edition’s ~12-lakh dip day is the reported number that should shape every future mela-week plan (stays, transport, ghat position all book at mela scale).
Frequently asked questions
What time is the aarti?
Reported morning ~5:30–6:30 and evening ~6–7, season-shifting — confirm on arrival.
When is Deep Daan?
On specific Amavasya nights (Kartik-class); the 2025 mela’s scale is the planning reference.
