For All The Devotees, 5 Things To Keep In Mind During The Evening Aarti In Varanasi

Ganga Aarti is a magnificent phenomenon which occurs daily but every time you attend it, it feels like a different experience. The aarti is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, Lord Shiva, Agni, Surya and is performed every evening by a group of priests who handle huge oil lamps while chanting prayers. A number of other elements make up for the whole aarti which is about forty five minutes long. You must keep these five things in mind while attending the aarti.

1. The Evening Aarti Starts Close To 6:45 PM So Go Well In Advance

Ganga aarti is held every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat. It starts at about 6:45 PM, after sunset and lasts for 45 minutes. People gather around the ghat almost 90 minutes prior to the beginning of the beautiful procession. You can head to the ghat an hour earlier, grab a spot on the stairs or hire a boat to watch the aarti. Even though an hour early may sound like a long wait, but with all the preparations and crowd around you, the time will fly in the blink of an eye!

2. Get An Uninterrupted View By Hiring A Boat For 2-3 Hours

Sunset boat rides are the perfect way to get a clear view of the Ganga aarti while relaxing in a boat away from the crowds at the ghats. You can hire a boat for 2-3 hours, explore the various ghats and at the end of the ride, sail to the Dasaswamedh Ghat and ask the boatman to moor the boat while you sit back and enjoy the aarti!

3. A Boat Ride Would Cost Approx. Rs 550 (For 4) Or Less If You Bargain Well

An ideal evening boat ride is not only a must when in Varanasi but it tends to give you a great view of the ghats, sunset and the evening aarti. It ideally starts anywhere between Rs 550 for 4 people to Rs 1350 for 10-15 people, but if you're good at bargaining, it can go even lower! You can even ask your tourist guide or the staff at the hotel where you're staying to get you a cheaper deal.

4. Avoid Weekends If Possible

Try to avoid witnessing the ganga aarti during the weekends as it gets all the more crowded with tons of people swarming the place and can hamper the overall and otherwise beautiful experience of the aarti!

5. Alternatively, Head To A Nearby Cafe

Incase you're looking to witness the aarti from afar, you can pay Rs 50-100 to watch it from a nearby rooftop, away from the chaotic madness of the ghat whilst munching on some delicious food!
Keep in mind the above things to enjoy a great evening, perhaps one of your best in Varanasi.