Ganga Aarti timings at Dashashwamedh Ghat (month by month)
The daily Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi starts shortly after sunset — typically 6:30–6:45 PM from October to March and 6:50–7:05 PM from April to September. The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes. For premium boat-side seating, reach the boarding ghat 45–50 minutes before the published start time so the experience boat can anchor opposite the aarti platform. This guide breaks the schedule down month by month, lists festival overrides and explains how to reserve a boat-side view.
What time is the Ganga Aarti?
The aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is anchored to sunset rather than a fixed clock time, so the start drifts by ~30 minutes between winter and summer. In practice the published start clusters around two seasonal values:
- Winter (October – March): aarti starts at ~6:30–6:45 PM.
- Summer (April – September): aarti starts at ~6:50–7:05 PM.
The ceremony lasts ~45 minutes from the first conch to the closing flame offering. The exact time for your evening is shown on your booking confirmation.
Month-by-month Ganga Aarti timings
The table below is an estimate based on the typical Varanasi sunset window. Use it for planning; GhatGo confirms the exact start time on your booking confirmation.
| Month | Aarti start | Boarding by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6:30 PM | 5:45 PM | Coolest month — carry a shawl. |
| February | 6:40 PM | 5:55 PM | Sunset shifts later toward Feb-end. |
| March | 6:45 PM | 6:00 PM | Holi week sees heavier crowds. |
| April | 6:50 PM | 6:05 PM | Warm evenings — carry water. |
| May | 7:00 PM | 6:15 PM | Peak summer; hydrate before boarding. |
| June | 7:05 PM | 6:20 PM | Longest evenings of the year. |
| July | 7:05 PM | 6:20 PM | Monsoon onset — check the booking status the day before. |
| August | 7:00 PM | 6:15 PM | Aarti continues unless the river is in spate. |
| September | 6:50 PM | 6:05 PM | Post-monsoon — air is at its clearest. |
| October | 6:40 PM | 5:55 PM | Shoulder season; Sharad Purnima may shift schedule. |
| November | 6:25 PM | 5:40 PM | Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima) follows a special schedule. |
| December | 6:25 PM | 5:40 PM | Crispest evenings of the year. |
Timings are estimates rounded to the nearest 5 minutes; the actual start follows sunset on the day. Last reviewed: 30 May 2026.
Festival overrides
On major festival evenings the Dashashwamedh aarti follows a special schedule and the ghats see significantly larger crowds. If you plan to attend a festival aarti by boat, book early.
| Festival | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima) | Extended ceremony, starts earlier | Every ghat is lit with lakhs of diyas; expect very heavy crowds. Pre-book at least 7–10 days in advance. |
| Maha Shivratri | Night-long worship | Aarti is folded into a longer Shiva celebration. The river view of the lit ghats is particularly striking. |
| Ganga Dussehra | Special morning + evening aarti | Marks the descent of the Ganga; ritual offerings are at their highest. Boat slots fill out by morning. |
| Kartik Purnima | Special aarti, often combined with Dev Deepawali on the same evening | Many pilgrims take a holy dip at dawn; consider pairing with a sunrise boat ride. |
When should I reach the ghat?
Reach the boarding ghat 45–50 minutes before the published aarti start. The experience boat anchors opposite the aarti platform 30–40 minutes ahead so guests are seated and settled before the priests begin. The boatman’s WhatsApp number is shared on the booking confirmation so you can find each other on the ghat.
How do I reserve a boat-side view of the aarti?
GhatGo offers premium reserved seating on the anchored experience boat for ₹400 per person, with a cap of 10 guests per evening. Reserve a seat on the Ganga Aarti booking page. The seat is locked in fully online and your confirmation lists the exact boarding ghat, meeting time and contact details.
For larger groups or a private aarti boat, see the complete Varanasi boat ride guide or email services@ghatgo.com.
What to expect during the ceremony
The aarti is performed by trained priests in coordinated movements with diyas, conch shells, dhoop, incense and a synchronised offering to the Ganga. From a boat you watch the entire platform without the crush of the ghat steps. Personal photography and video are welcome; please avoid flash during the central offering and never operate a drone near the ghats without prior permission from local authorities.
Useful next steps
Reserve premium aarti seating, or read the related guides below to plan the rest of your evening on the ghats.