Assi Ghat Varanasi, History, Aarti Timing & How To reach
Located at the meeting point of the Assi and Ganga rivers, the Assi Ghat is well-known for the enormous Shiva Lingam that is situated beneath a peepal tree. It has been mentioned in the Puranas and other stories, and it holds great religious significance. Assi Ghat is the centre of Varanasi, and both locals and visitors swarm there to take in the breathtaking views of the Ganges sunrise and sunset.
It is where visitors and foreigners who spend a lot of time in Varanasi reside. The Ghat is a well-known place for young people in the area to spend their evenings. If you wish to get a real sense of Varanasi, you must witness the Aarti, which was just held in the morning at the Ghat. Additionally, tourists typically take a boat from Assi to Dashaswamedh Ghat in the evening to witness the renowned aarti, which is performed there every evening and is a unique experience. Due to its proximity to Banaras Hindu University, students frequently visit Assi Ghat.
History of Assi Ghat, Varanasi
Puranic and ancient manuscripts from the Gahadavalas dynasty (11th century) mention Assi Ghat. It is one of the most well-known locations for the yearly Surya Shashi and Panchkroshi Yatra. The ghat was a verdant area with trees and plants before the 19th century. When the queen of Bihar purchased the southern portion in 1902 and built her palace (now the Ganges View hotel), the region was split into two sections.
A few other buildings were built in the vicinity, but it wasn’t until 1988 that the irrigation department’s efforts turned the Ghat into a pucca. Later, as new ashrams and companies began to thrive, there was a lot of construction going on all around the area.
In 2014 district administration developed the southern end of Assi and converted it into a stage-like pavilion with Yagshala to host the “Subah-e-Banaras” festival, a year-round event that takes place before dawn.
Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat, Varanasi
Every day between five and six in the morning, Subah Banaras Morning Aarti is held at the Assi Ghat. Following the program on Sunday morning, everyone is welcome to attend a free yoga class. If this is your first time in Varanasi, Subah-e-Banaras ought to be at the top of your list! Take a look at the list of additional morning activities in Varanasi.
At 6:30 PM, both ends of the Ghat host the nightly Ganga Aarti. Deep Daan, which involves presenting flowers and earthen lamps to the Ganga river, takes place after the occasion. Many residents and tourists attend the evening Aarti, in contrast to the morning Aarti.
Assi Ghat Hangout Spot, Varanasi
If Assi Ghat were a fabric of time, it would be separated into age-based slots. Middle-aged and older individuals rush to the ghat as the sun rises to perform rituals and take a morning plunge. It gets deserted in the afternoon, and you can see elderly people napping in the shade. Children take over the place as the sun sets. All of these spaces combine into one at night, and Assi residents spend their days enjoying tea, snacks, and evening aarti as a single, large family.
Assi Ghat has recently become a popular destination for young people. Students and foreigners stay in the neighborhood’s hundreds of hostels, motels, and post-graduation residences while they study or practice yoga at local institutions. It is also a popular spot to hang out because of its close proximity to BHU.
You frequently see couples enjoying quality time together, groups of students conversing, performing music, and practicing the arts. It wouldn’t be incorrect to state that Kashi now hangs out in Assi.
Subah-e-Banaras Assi Ghat, Varanasi
In Varanasi, “Subah-e-Banaras” depicts a charming morning view beside the Ganges River. The Ganga Aarti, a captivating rite that involves prayers, chanting, and the creation of a spiritual atmosphere by the burning lamps, is the highlight. Along the ghats, residents practice yoga, meditation, and cultural events in the mornings, providing visitors and devotees with a calm and engrossing experience. The deep energy of Varanasi’s spiritual awakening at the crack of dawn is captured in this distinctive fusion of rituals and cultural customs.
How to Reach Assi Ghat, Varanasi
Assi Ghat is situated 2 kilometers from BHU and 3 km from Vishwanath Temple. It has good road access to the bus stop, airport, and all train stations. You can walk five minutes to the Assi Ghat after taking a shared autorickshaw to the Assi crossing. Additionally, you can walk or take a boat from any ghat to the Assi Ghat.
Aarti Timings Assi Ghat, Varanasi
Morning: 5:00 to 6:00 | Evening: 6:30 to 7:30
Nearby Places to visit, Assi Ghat, Varanasi
- Lolark Kund
- Tulsi Akhada
- Jagannath Temple
- Mumukshu Bhawan
- Sant Ravidas Park
