Ganga Aarti: What Actually Happens, and How to See It Well
The ceremony lasts about forty-five minutes. Where you stand decides whether you remember it forever or spend it looking at the back of somebody's head.
What it is
At Dashashwamedh Ghat, seven priests perform an elaborate lamp offering to the Ganga as the sun sets. Conch shells, bells, incense, fire in tiered brass lamps and a great deal of sound. It happens every evening, in all weather, and it is free to watch.
Where to stand
On the steps, you will be part of a very large crowd and you will see it in glimpses. From a boat moored facing the ghat, you see the whole ceremony — but only if your boat is in the front row, and there are far more boats than front row.
Our approach
We reserve boat positions in advance for our guests. If you would rather not be on the water, we will find you a raised vantage point instead and get you there early. What we will not do is drop you at the ghat ten minutes before it starts and wish you luck.
If you dislike crowds
Aarti also takes place at Assi Ghat in the morning and at smaller ghats in the evening. These are far quieter and, for many guests, more moving.
