Chhath Puja 2026 Varanasi: Complete Guide to Dates, Ghats & Taxi Booking
TL;DR — Chhath Puja 2026 Varanasi Cheat Sheet
| Detail | Info |
|---|
| Nahay Khay | Wed, October 28 |
| Kharna | Thu, October 29 |
| Sandhya Arghya (sunset) | Fri, October 30 |
| Usha Arghya (sunrise) | Sat, October 31 |
| Best ghats | Chhath Ghat, Assi Ghat, Namo Ghat |
| Airport → Ghat taxi | Sedan ₹899 · Innova ₹1,200 |
| Station pickup | ₹400–600 |
| Road closures | Oct 30, 3 PM → Oct 31, noon |
| Book now | WhatsApp · 📞 8062182380 |
Last updated: April 6, 2026
A Note from Kamal — Why This Guide Exists
I'm Kamal Nayan Singh. I've lived in Varanasi my entire life and been running Chhath Puja taxi transfers since 2016.
Every October, calls start pouring in — mostly from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern UP families who are coming to Varanasi specifically for Chhath. Their flights land at Babatpur, trains pull into Junction or Manduadih, and then the same question: "Bhaiya, ghat tak kaise pahunchein?"
The honest answer: it's complicated. Roads close. Auto drivers vanish or triple their fares. App cabs cancel when they see the destination is near the ghats. And if you're carrying thekua, fruits, soop, and sugarcane for the puja — good luck fitting all of that in a shared auto with three other families.
This guide is everything I tell my own customers over the phone, written down properly. Dates, ghat options, real fares, road closure timings, what to pack, where to stay. No filler, no recycled tourism-board copy. Just what works.
Sunrise time in Varanasi on Oct 31: Approximately 5:55 AM. Position yourself at the ghat by 5:00 AM at the latest if you want a clear view.
🛕 Best Ghats for Chhath Puja in Varanasi
Not all ghats are equal during Chhath. Some have permanent infrastructure, cleaner water access, and better crowd management. Here's my honest assessment after coordinating Chhath transfers for a decade.
1. Chhath Ghat (Near Tulsi Ghat)
The original Chhath spot in Varanasi. This ghat exists specifically for Chhath Puja — it's even named after the festival. It sits between Tulsi Ghat and Bhadaini, in the southern stretch of the ghats.
- Crowd level: Extremely packed. Shoulder-to-shoulder on Oct 30-31.
- Infrastructure: Permanent Chhath steps into the river. Municipal lighting. Police presence.
- Water access: Dedicated platforms in the river for Vratis.
- Best for: Devotees who want the traditional, most "authentic" Chhath experience and don't mind heavy crowds.
- Getting there: Drop at Bhadaini or Tulsi Ghat approach road (before 3 PM on Oct 30). 10-minute walk from Lanka crossing after closures.
2. Assi Ghat
The most accessible ghat for out-of-town visitors. Assi sits at the southern end of the ghat row, with better road access from the highway side and relatively more space than the central ghats.
- Crowd level: Heavy, but manageable. More breathing room than Chhath Ghat.
- Infrastructure: Good municipal lighting. Well-maintained steps. Several hotels within walking distance.
- Water access: Broad waterfront. The Assi-Ganga confluence area offers a wide stretch.
- Best for: Families with elderly members or small children. First-time Chhath visitors to Varanasi.
- Getting there: Drop at Assi crossing. The ghat is a 5-minute walk from the main road. Accessible even after evening closures from the Nagwa side.
3. Namo Ghat (Rajghat Area) ⭐ Our Pick for Comfort
The newest, least crowded, and best-maintained ghat. Built in the last few years under the Namami Gange project, Namo Ghat has modern steps, clean surroundings, LED lighting, and proper changing rooms. During Chhath 2024 and 2025, it absorbed a large chunk of the overflow crowd from the central ghats.
- Crowd level: Moderate. Significantly less chaotic than Chhath Ghat or Dashashwamedh.
- Infrastructure: Best in the city. Proper toilets, changing areas, security cameras, wide steps.
- Water access: Excellent. Long riverfront with multiple entry points into the water.
- Best for: Families who want space, cleanliness, and manageable crowds. Elderly devotees. Anyone who has done Chhath at the crowded ghats before and wants a calmer alternative.
- Getting there: Directly accessible from the Rajghat/Malviya Bridge side. Our drivers know the backroads to drop you within 200 metres even during peak hours.
4. Shivala Ghat
A mid-range option. Less crowded than Chhath Ghat, more traditional feel than Namo Ghat. Good for small groups who want a quieter spot. Approach from Shivala road or via boat from Assi.
Quick Comparison
| Ghat | Crowd Level | Infrastructure | Vehicle Access | Best For |
|---|
| Chhath Ghat | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | Difficult after 2 PM | Traditional experience |
| Assi Ghat | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Decent until 3 PM | Families, first-timers |
| Namo Ghat | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Good even during closures | Comfort, elderly, kids |
| Shivala Ghat | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Walk-in only during closures | Quiet, small groups |
🚗 How to Reach Varanasi for Chhath Puja
By Air — Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)
Varanasi's airport is at Babatpur, 26 km from the main ghats. During Chhath week, flight arrivals spike — especially on Oct 27-28 (day before and Nahay Khay day) and departures surge on Oct 31 – Nov 1.
What to expect:
- Airport taxi counter rates shoot up. I've seen ₹2,500 quoted for a trip that normally costs ₹900.
- App cabs (Ola/Uber) are unreliable — drivers cancel when they realize the destination is near the congested ghat area.
- The airport approach road itself can be slow during peak arrival windows (morning 10-12, evening 6-8).
Our airport taxi service:
We station our cars at Babatpur specifically for Chhath week. Your driver will be there with a name board, regardless of flight delays. Fixed fare, confirmed booking, no surge.
→ Full details: Varanasi Airport Taxi Service
→ Price breakdown: Airport Taxi Price Guide
By Train
Three stations serve Varanasi. Which one your train arrives at makes a real difference during Chhath:
| Station | Distance to Ghats | Chhath Week Impact | Best Route to Ghat |
|---|
| Varanasi Junction (BSB) | ~7 km | Extremely crowded. Platform congestion. Exit takes 30-45 min. | Via Cantt Road → Lanka → Assi |
| Varanasi City / Cantt (BCY) | ~5 km | Moderate. Closer to ghats but fewer trains stop here. | Via Sigra → Bhadaini |
| Manduadih (MUV) | ~4 km | Least crowded station. Good for southern ghats. | Direct to Assi via Nagwa road |
Pro tip from Kamal: If you have a choice of trains, pick one arriving at Manduadih. It's the closest to Assi Ghat and the least chaotic station during festival week. The exit roads are also less affected by closures.
By Road
If you're driving in from Lucknow, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Patna, or anywhere on NH-2/NH-19:
- Enter from the Rajghat (north) side if you're headed to Namo Ghat. The Malviya Bridge approach stays open longer than the Lanka/Assi approach.
- Enter from the bypass road via DLW if headed to Assi Ghat area.
- Avoid entering from the Cantt/Godowlia side on Oct 30-31 — that entire corridor becomes a pedestrian zone.
🚕 Taxi Services & Pricing for Chhath Puja 2026
This is the section most people are here for. Straight numbers, no hidden charges.
Airport Transfers
| Vehicle | Airport → Ghat | Airport → Hotel (Cantt area) | Airport → Namo Ghat |
|---|
| Sedan (Swift Dzire / Etios) | ₹899 | ₹800 | ₹750 |
| SUV (Innova / Ertiga) | ₹1,200 | ₹1,100 | ₹1,000 |
| Tempo Traveller (12-seater) | ₹1,800 | ₹1,700 | ₹1,600 |
These are fixed rates for pre-booked rides during Chhath week. Walk-in rates at the airport counter or app-based cabs will charge ₹1,800-2,500 for a sedan during Oct 28-31.
Station Transfers
| Route | Sedan | SUV |
|---|
| Varanasi Junction → Assi Ghat area | ₹500 | ₹700 |
| Varanasi Junction → Chhath Ghat | ₹450 | ₹650 |
| Manduadih → Assi Ghat | ₹400 | ₹550 |
| Manduadih → Namo Ghat | ₹500 | ₹700 |
| Varanasi City → Chhath Ghat | ₹400 | ₹600 |
Ghat Shuttle & Local Transfers
For families who need to move between the ghat, their accommodation, and back:
| Service | Fare |
|---|
| Ghat shuttle (one-way, within 5 km) | ₹300 |
| Half-day local (4 hrs / 40 km) | ₹1,200 (sedan) · ₹1,800 (SUV) |
| Full-day local (8 hrs / 80 km) | ₹2,000 (sedan) · ₹3,000 (SUV) |
| Return airport drop (post-festival) | Same as airport pickup rates above |
Group Bookings — Tempo Traveller
Large families and groups coming together for Chhath — this is your best option. One vehicle, one driver, everyone's puja supplies in the back.
- 12-seater Tempo Traveller: Airport pickup ₹1,800 · Full-day local ₹4,500
- 17-seater Tempo Traveller: Airport pickup ₹2,200 · Full-day local ₹5,500
- 26-seater Mini Bus: Airport pickup ₹3,000 · Full-day local ₹7,000
→ Full tempo rates & options: Tempo Traveller Varanasi
Why pre-booking matters during Chhath: In 2024, a family from Ranchi called me on the morning of Sandhya Arghya day looking for an airport pickup. Every car we had was already committed. App cabs were surging ₹2,200 for the same trip. They ended up in a shared auto with all their puja samaan piled on the roof. Don't be that family. Book at least 3-5 days ahead.
📞 Book Your Chhath Puja Taxi Now
WhatsApp (fastest response): Book on WhatsApp
Call: 📞 8062182380
What to include in your message:
- Arrival date, time, and flight/train number
- Number of passengers + approximate luggage
- Which ghat or hotel you're headed to
- Whether you need return drop as well
We confirm bookings within 1 hour during Chhath season. Driver name and phone number shared 24 hours before your arrival.
🚧 Traffic & Road Closures: October 30–31
This is the part that catches out-of-town visitors by surprise. Varanasi's ghat-area roads are narrow lanes to begin with — during Chhath, the administration shuts them entirely for vehicles.
What Closes and When
| Road / Area | Closure Starts | Reopens |
|---|
| Lanka → Assi Ghat road | Oct 30, ~3 PM | Oct 31, ~12 PM |
| Bhadaini → Chhath Ghat lane | Oct 30, ~2 PM | Oct 31, ~12 PM |
| Shivala road approach | Oct 30, ~3 PM | Oct 31, ~11 AM |
| Dashashwamedh → Godowlia corridor | Oct 30, ~4 PM | Oct 31, ~1 PM |
| Namo Ghat approach (Rajghat side) | Partial closures only | Open most of the time |
How This Affects Your Travel
If your flight arrives after 2 PM on Oct 30:
Your car can get you to Lanka crossing, Sigra, or Nagwa — but not to the ghat itself. You'll walk the last 1-1.5 km. Our drivers know which approach roads stay open longest and will get you as close as possible.
If you need to leave early morning Oct 31 for Usha Arghya:
Leave your hotel/accommodation by 4:00 AM on foot. Our driver will be parked at the nearest accessible point (Lanka, Sigra, DLW road) to take you back after the ritual.
For return airport/station drops on Oct 31:
Schedule your ride for after 12 noon. By then barricades are typically lifted and vehicles can reach the ghat approach roads again. If your flight or train is before noon, leave extra time and be ready to walk to the pickup point.
Real talk: Google Maps and app-based navigation are useless during Chhath closures. The barricade locations shift based on crowd flow. Our drivers have worked these streets during every Chhath since 2016 — they know the backroads that stay open. That's the actual value of booking with a local operator.
🏨 Where to Stay During Chhath Puja
Accommodation during Chhath week fills up fast — especially anything within walking distance of the southern ghats (Assi, Chhath Ghat, Tulsi Ghat). Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
Best Areas by Ghat Preference
For Assi Ghat / Chhath Ghat:
- Assi area — Hotels and guesthouses along Assi crossing. 5-10 minute walk to the ghat. Plenty of restaurants and shops.
- Lanka — Budget-friendly. Hostels and dharamshalas. 15-minute walk to Assi Ghat.
- Nagwa — Quieter. Good for families. 10-minute walk to Assi.
For Namo Ghat:
- Rajghat / Malviya Bridge area — Fewer tourist-grade hotels, but some decent options. The trade-off is less crowd and better road access.
- Cantt area — 15-minute drive to Namo Ghat. Better hotel selection (Hotel Surya, Hotel Varanasi Inn, etc.). Cleanest roads during the festival.
For Shivala Ghat:
- Shivala / Bengali Tola area — Heritage homestays, cramped lanes, authentic old-city feel. Not for those who need vehicle access to their doorstep.
Budget Ranges (Chhath Week)
| Type | Normal Rate | Chhath Week Rate |
|---|
| Dharamshala / Hostel | ₹300-600/night | ₹500-1,000/night |
| Budget hotel | ₹800-1,500/night | ₹1,500-2,500/night |
| Mid-range hotel | ₹2,000-4,000/night | ₹3,500-6,000/night |
| Premium / Heritage | ₹5,000-12,000/night | ₹8,000-18,000/night |
Kamal's tip: If you're coming specifically for Chhath and don't need fancy accommodation, ask me about dharamshalas near Chhath Ghat. Some are specifically set up for Chhath devotees and cost ₹300-500 per night. They're basic — mat on floor, shared bathrooms — but they're right at the ghat and full of Chhath families. The atmosphere is unbeatable.
🎒 What to Pack for Chhath Puja in Varanasi
Most of these can also be purchased at Varanasi's markets (Visheshwarganj, Godowlia), but prices spike during Chhath week and quality can be inconsistent. Bring what you can.
- Soop (bamboo winnowing tray) — the centrepiece of the offering
- Thekua — traditional Chhath sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee
- Fruits — bananas, sugarcane, coconut, water caltrop (singhara), sweet lime
- Diya & camphor — for lighting during Sandhya Arghya
- New clothes — Vratis wear new, unstitched or specific traditional clothes during the offering
- Brass or copper lota — for water/milk offering
- Gamchha / dhoti — for river entry
- Incense sticks, turmeric, vermillion
Practical Essentials
- Torch / headlamp — Usha Arghya is at dawn. The walk to the ghat at 4 AM is dark in patches.
- Waterproof bag — For your phone, wallet, and documents while at the ghat. River steps are wet and slippery.
- Comfortable walking shoes — You'll walk 2-4 km at minimum on Oct 30-31 due to road closures. Flip-flops are fine for the ghat but not for the walk there.
- Warm layer — Late October mornings can drop to 18-20°C. Standing in the river before sunrise is cold.
- Mosquito repellent — Ghats in October. Enough said.
- Power bank — Charging points near ghats are non-existent.
- Cash — UPI works at shops, but street vendors, auto drivers, and dharamshalas run on cash during festival rush.
- Reusable water bottle — Stay hydrated. Municipal water stalls are set up but can have long queues.
🛡️ Safety Tips for Chhath Puja in Varanasi
Crowd Safety
Chhath draws lakhs of devotees to the ghat area. The Oct 30 evening and Oct 31 morning sessions are the densest.
- Stay with your group. Designate a meeting point in case anyone gets separated. Phone networks get congested near the ghats — calls may not connect.
- Keep children close. The ghat steps are steep, wet, and packed. One slip can be dangerous. Consider a child leash or wrist-link for toddlers.
- Watch the river current. The Ganga in late October has moderate flow. Don't wade deeper than waist-level. The riverbed near the ghats can be uneven with sudden drop-offs.
- Avoid the central crowd zone on Chhath Ghat during Sandhya Arghya if you have elderly family members. The push-and-squeeze is real. Assi or Namo Ghat are safer alternatives for older devotees.
Health & Hygiene
- The ghat steps get slippery from water, flowers, milk, and turmeric. Wear shoes with grip for the approach walk; carry slippers for the actual ghat area.
- Food stalls near the ghats are hit-or-miss on hygiene. Eat from established shops, not random carts.
- Carry basic medications: ORS packets, paracetamol, anti-diarrheal, band-aids. Medical help during the festival rush means long queues at the nearest clinic.
Valuables & Phone
- Keep phone in a waterproof pouch. You will get splashed or need to wade through puddles on the ghat approach.
- Don't carry more cash than you need for the day.
- Leave expensive jewellery at the hotel. The crowds are dense and distracted — petty theft spikes during festivals.
For Women
Chhath is one of the safest festivals in terms of crowd behaviour — it's a family-driven ritual and the atmosphere is respectful. That said:
- Wear a dupatta or saree that's tied securely — loose fabric + wet steps + crowd = risk.
- If you're performing the fast and entering the river, go with at least one companion.
- The municipal corporation sets up women-only changing areas near major ghats. Use them.
🗓️ Suggested Itinerary: 3-Night Chhath Puja Trip
Day 1 — October 28 (Nahay Khay)
| Time | Activity |
|---|
| Morning | Arrive Varanasi. Airport/station pickup by Kashi Taxi. |
| Afternoon | Check into hotel. Rest. Visit Visheshwarganj market for puja supplies. |
| Evening | Nahay Khay Ganga snan at your chosen ghat. Prepare prasad. |
Day 2 — October 29 (Kharna)
| Time | Activity |
|---|
| Morning | Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple for darshan. |
| Afternoon | Prepare Kharna prasad at hotel/guesthouse. |
| Evening | Kharna meal. Vratis begin nirjala fast. |
| Night | Organize all puja samaan. Early sleep — long two days ahead. |
Day 3 — October 30 (Sandhya Arghya) ⭐
| Time | Activity |
|---|
| Morning | Free morning. Last chance for sightseeing or shopping before closures. |
| 1:00 PM | Final preparations. Get dressed. Load puja supplies. |
| 2:00 PM | Begin walking to ghat (roads closing). |
| 4:30 PM | Take position at the ghat. Arrange offerings on soop. |
| 5:15 PM | Sandhya Arghya — sunset offering in the Ganga. |
| Evening | Stay at the ghat. Bhajans, folk songs, community vigil through the night. |
Day 4 — October 31 (Usha Arghya & Departure)
| Time | Activity |
|---|
| 4:00 AM | Walk to ghat for Usha Arghya. |
| 5:55 AM | Usha Arghya — sunrise offering. Fast broken. Prasad distribution. |
| 8:00 AM | Return to hotel. Pack. Breakfast. |
| 12:00 PM+ | Road barricades lifted. Taxi pickup for airport/station drop. |
Pro tip: Book your return flight/train for Oct 31 evening or Nov 1 morning. Trying to leave before noon on Oct 31 means navigating road closures with luggage — stressful and unnecessary.
🌡️ Weather in Varanasi During Chhath Puja (Late October)
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|
| Daytime high | 32-34°C |
| Early morning low | 18-22°C |
| Humidity | Moderate (60-65%) |
| Rain chance | Very low (post-monsoon) |
| Sunrise (Oct 31) | ~5:55 AM |
| Sunset (Oct 30) | ~5:25 PM |
Late October in Varanasi is pleasant during the day but the early morning (4-6 AM) can feel cold — especially if you're standing waist-deep in the river. Bring a light sweater or shawl for the Usha Arghya morning.
→ Seasonal planning: Best Time to Visit Varanasi
🕉️ Understanding Chhath: Why It Matters
Chhath is not just a festival — it's one of the oldest surviving Vedic rituals in continuous practice. A few things that make it unique:
No priest needed. Unlike most Hindu festivals, Chhath doesn't require a pandit. The Vrati performs everything themselves — the cooking, fasting, offering, and prayer. It's a direct conversation between the devotee and the sun.
Gender significance. Chhath is predominantly observed by women (though men participate too). The Vrati — usually a mother or grandmother — undertakes a gruelling 36-hour waterless fast while standing in the river at dawn and dusk. It's an extraordinary act of devotion and physical endurance.
Community over temple. There's no Chhath temple. The ritual happens at the riverbank. The community gathers, sings folk songs through the night, and supports each other. The ghat becomes the temple.
The Bihari connection. While Chhath is celebrated across UP and Nepal, it's most deeply rooted in Bihar and Jharkhand culture. A huge portion of Chhath visitors to Varanasi are families from Patna, Ranchi, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur who consider Varanasi ghats the most sacred place to perform the ritual.
📸 Photography Tips
Chhath is extraordinarily photogenic — the river, the light, the devotion, the colours. A few practical notes:
- Best light: Usha Arghya (Oct 31 sunrise) is the money shot. Golden light, river mist, thousands of diyas, silhouettes of devotees in the water. Be in position by 5:15 AM.
- Sandhya Arghya (Oct 30 sunset): Beautiful but the crowd is denser and it's harder to move around for different angles.
- Be respectful. Don't shove a camera in a Vrati's face during the offering. Use a telephoto lens. The moment is deeply personal and emotional.
- Waterproof your gear. You will get water on you. Period. A rain cover or waterproof camera bag is non-negotiable.
- Phone photography: Perfectly fine. Just use the waterproof pouch mentioned in the packing list. Ghat steps + wet hands + expensive phone = heartbreak.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chhath Puja in Varanasi safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Chhath has a strong family-and-community character. The crowd is made up of devotees, not rowdy festival-goers. Police deployment is heavy near the ghats. That said, solo travellers should be mindful of crowd density during Sandhya and Usha Arghya and watch their belongings.
Can non-Hindus attend Chhath Puja at the ghats?
Absolutely. Chhath is a public celebration on the ghats. There's no gated entry or ticket. Anyone can watch, photograph, and soak in the atmosphere. Just be respectful — don't walk between a Vrati and the river during arghya, and don't litter.
Where can I buy Chhath puja items in Varanasi?
Visheshwarganj market (near Godowlia) is the main spot. You'll find soop, thekua, sugarcane, fruits, diyas, and everything else. Godowlia crossing area also has street vendors selling Chhath supplies from Oct 26 onwards.
Prices spike on Oct 29-30, so buy early on Oct 27-28 if possible.
Is Varanasi better than Patna for Chhath Puja?
Different experience. Patna has the massive Chhath celebrations at the Gandhi Maidan ghats on the Ganga — very grand, very Bihari. Varanasi offers the combination of Chhath + ancient ghats + Ganga Aarti + Kashi Vishwanath. If you're coming from outside Bihar/UP, Varanasi gives you more to experience in a single trip.
Do boats operate during Chhath Puja?
Limited. The stretch between Assi and Dashashwamedh sees some boat activity, but close to the Chhath ghats, boats are restricted on Oct 30 evening and Oct 31 morning to keep the waterfront clear for Vratis. Don't count on a boat ride during the main arghya times.
What if my flight is delayed during Chhath week?
This is exactly why we share your driver's direct phone number 24 hours in advance. Your booked driver waits — whether your flight is on time or 3 hours delayed. No extra charge for wait time at the airport during Chhath bookings.
You've read the guide. Now lock in your ride before the Chhath rush fills every available car in the city.
What we handle:
- ✅ Airport pickup (Babatpur) → Hotel or Ghat
- ✅ Station pickup (Junction / Manduadih / City) → Hotel or Ghat
- ✅ Return drop after festival
- ✅ Full-day local taxi for sightseeing between rituals
- ✅ Tempo Traveller for large family groups
- ✅ Multi-day packages (Oct 28–31)
Fixed rates. No surge. No cancellation drama.
| |
|---|
| WhatsApp | Book on WhatsApp |
| Call | 📞 8062182380 |
| Response time | Within 1 hour during Chhath season |
| Advance booking | Recommended 3-5 days before arrival |
"Last Chhath, we did 47 airport pickups in 4 days. Every one confirmed, every one on time. That's what 10 years of doing this gives you — the right number of drivers, the right route knowledge, and zero surprises."
— Kamal Nayan Singh, Founder, Kashi Taxi
Planning a broader Varanasi trip around Chhath? These guides will help:
