Every evening, just after sunset, the Dashashwamedh Ganga aarti runs for about 45 minutes — the Varanasi district portal describes it as the city’s main and most elaborate aarti, held daily. Seasonal start times are reported around 5:45 PM in winter and 6:45 PM in summer (it tracks sunset).
The aarti itself is free and public; the only money involved is a boat if you choose to watch from the water. Checked 01 October 2026.
The facts
| Item | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Daily | Verified — official source |
| Start | Just after sunset (~5:45 PM winter / ~6:45 PM summer) | Official + reported |
| Duration | ~45 minutes | Verified — official source |
| Cost to watch | Free from the ghat steps | Verified — official source |
| Boat viewing | Informal, negotiated with boatmen | Unconfirmed pricing — agree first |
Source: kashi.gov.in (fetched), last checked 01 October 2026.
Choosing your spot
- Ghat steps: free and immersive; arrive 45–60 minutes early for a seated position, earlier on weekends. The platform fills from the front.
- A boat mid-river: the classic view — full row of lit lamps reflected in the water. Boats cluster off Dashashwamedh during the aarti; prices are informal and unpublished, so agree before boarding (the boat guide covers morning rides too).
- Rooftop cafés behind the ghat: several serve the aarti view; quality and price vary and we name none until verified first-hand.
Practical notes
- Phones and cameras are fine here — the aarti is an open-air public ritual, unlike the temple’s no-electronics rule. Don’t confuse the two venues.
- Crowd surge at the end — the 45 minutes end in a single movement toward the lanes; linger five minutes and exit calm.
- Feet and respect: cremation ghats (Manikarnika, Harishchandra) are the two exclusively-cremation sites — photograph nothing there, ever.
- Dev Deepawali (24 Nov 2026): this same ghat becomes the festival’s epicentre with 2025-model rules — no-fly zone, boat restrictions, life jackets mandatory. See the festival guide.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Ganga aarti?
Daily just after sunset; ~45 minutes. Winter starts reported around 5:45 PM, summer around 6:45 PM (checked 1 October 2026).
Is the aarti free?
Yes from the steps. Boats are private arrangements at negotiated prices.
Can I photograph the aarti?
Yes — it’s a public ceremony. Photography norms differ entirely at the cremation ghats, where no photography is acceptable.
