Assi Ghat Aarti Timings (Morning & Evening) – My 2025 Insider Guide
As a local who runs sunrise boat rides for a living, I’m at Assi Ghat almost every day. The most common questions I get are about the Assi Ghat aarti timings, specifically the Assi Ghat morning aarti time and the Assi Ghat aarti timings for the evening. Below is my insider's cheat-sheet with the exact Assi Ghat Ganga aarti timing for 2025.
Quick Timetable: Assi Ghat Aarti Time
| Season | Morning “Subah-e-Banaras” | Evening Sandhya Aarti | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Oct – Mar) | 5:30 AM – 6:15 AM | 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM | 40-45 min |
| Summer (Apr – Jun) | 4:45 AM – 5:30 AM | 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM | 40-45 min |
| Monsoon (Jul – Sep) | 5:00 AM – 5:45 AM* | 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM* | 35-40 min |
Timings can shift by ±15 min if the river is swollen or if lightning alerts are issued. Always re-check the evening before.
Why Two Aartis?
Morning – “Subah-e-Banaras”
Begins in the blue hour before sunrise with Vedic chants, conch‐shells and a short yoga-in-public session. Locals treat it as a community wellness ritual; pilgrims bring copper pots for the first Ganga water of the day.
Evening – Sandhya Aarti
Starts just after the sun disappears, lamps reflected in the water like a corridor of fire. It's smaller than Dashashwamedh Ghat’s spectacle, but you get closer seats and it has a youthful, musical vibe.
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Month-by-Month Timing Grid (2025-26 Update)
| Month | Sunrise Aarti | Sunset Aarti |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5:30 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Feb | 5:15 AM | 6:15 PM |
| Mar | 5:00 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Apr | 4:45 AM | 6:45 PM |
| May | 4:30 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Jun | 4:30 AM | 7:15 PM |
| Jul | 4:45 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Aug | 5:00 AM | 6:45 PM |
| Sep | 5:15 AM | 6:15 PM |
| Oct | 5:30 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Nov | 5:45 AM | 5:45 PM |
| Dec | 6:00 AM | 5:30 PM |
Data compiled from updated priest rota & tourism board circulars.
How I Secure the “Front-Row” Experience
- Alarm at 4:30 AM. I grab a kulhad chai en-route; the vendor at Bhadaini Bridge never misses a day.
- Reach by 4:50 AM (summer) / 5:10 AM (winter). That lets me claim a seat on the second step—high enough for photos, low enough to feel the river spray.
- Offer a small diya (₹20). The organising committee uses donations to pay the classical-music troupe; they recognise regulars and often wave us through the cordon.
- Switch camera to ISO 1600, f/2.8, 1/125 s. Smoke + predawn light is tricky; burst-mode saves the shot.
Pro Tips for Visitors
| Concern | My Field Note |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free entry; ₹50-₹100 donation appreciated. |
| Seating | Plastic chairs behind the stage are reserved for seniors; stairs are open. |
| Boat View? | Yes—rowers charge ₹300-₹400 per boat for 45 min loop; avoid monsoon swells. |
| Weather | Carry a light shawl in Jan–Feb (see our Varanasi in February guide); umbrellas in Jul–Sep. |
| Safety | Plenty of police at both aartis; watch for slippery steps after rain. For more tips, read our main Varanasi Safety Guide. |
TripAdvisor Snippet:
"The Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat was the highlight of our trip. More intimate than the main Aarti. We followed a local guide's tip to arrive early and it made all the difference!" - Review from Sarah J.
How to Get to Assi Ghat
- By Tuk-Tuk/E-Rickshaw: Ask for “Assi Ghat main chowk”; expect ₹80-₹120 from Godowlia at pre-dawn rates.
- By Foot: From the main gate of BHU, it’s an easy, lamp-lit 15-minute walk.
- By River: If you’re already on a dawn boat tour, have the boatman moor upriver and walk down to the ceremony.
For a complete breakdown of all your options, see our ultimate Varanasi Transportation Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do the Assi Ghat Ganga Aarti timings change on festival days? Yes—on Dev Deepawali & Kartik Purnima the evening slot shifts later so the flame-arches align with the full-moon rise. Arrive 90 minutes early to get a spot.
Q. Is the Assi Ghat morning aarti time ever cancelled for rain? Rarely. If it's raining heavily, the priests move the ceremony to a covered dais. The public yoga session may be skipped, but the aarti continues.
Q. Can tourists participate in the aarti? While you can't perform the main ritual, you can receive a blessing from the priests afterward. Simply queue politely to the left of the stage once the ceremony concludes.
Need live updates on Assi Ghat Aarti Timings? Bookmark subahebanaras.net or call their coordination desk. They post last-minute time adjustments every evening by 8 PM.
I hope this first-hand roadmap helps you catch the aarti at its most magical. If you spot me with my Sony a6000 on the steps, come say hi—I’m always up for sharing a cup of 5 AM chai!