Are you looking for a place to experience the rich culture, history, and beauty of Patna? If yes, then you should not miss Gandhi Ghat, one of the most popular and iconic tourist spots in the city. Gandhi Ghat is a bank of the river Ganga, where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in 1948, and where a grand Ganga Aarti is performed every weekend.
Gandhi Ghat also offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors, such as a river cruise ship, a kite festival, and boating. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Gandhi Ghat, such as how to reach, when to visit, what to do, and what to see. Read on to discover why Gandhi Ghat is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore Patna.
How to Reach Gandhi Ghat
Gandhi Ghat is located in the heart of Patna, near the Patna Collectorate. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as:
By air:
The nearest airport to Gandhi Ghat is the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, which is about 12 km away. You can take a taxi, a bus, or an auto-rickshaw from the airport to Gandhi Ghat, which will take around 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
By train:
The nearest railway station to Gandhi Ghat is the Patna Junction, which is about 6 km away. You can take a taxi, a bus, or an auto-rickshaw from the railway station to Gandhi Ghat, which will take around 15 minutes, depending on the traffic.
By bus:
The nearest bus stand to Gandhi Ghat is the Gandhi Maidan Bus Stand, which is about 4 km away. You can take a taxi, a bus, or an auto-rickshaw from the bus stand to Gandhi Ghat, which will take around 10 minutes, depending on the traffic.
By car:
You can also drive your own car to Gandhi Ghat, as there is ample parking space available near the ghat. You can follow the NH 30 or the Ashok Rajpath to reach Gandhi Ghat, which is well signposted along the way.
The Ganga Aarti at Gandhi Ghat
The Ganga Aarti is one of the most spectacular and spiritual attractions at Gandhi Ghat. It is a ritual that involves offering prayers and lamps to the river Ganga, which is considered sacred by Hindus. The Ganga Aarti at Gandhi Ghat is performed every Saturday and Sunday evening, from 6 pm to 7 pm, by a group of priests dressed in saffron robes.
The priests chant hymns and mantras, while holding large brass lamps that create a mesmerizing effect of light and sound. The Ganga Aarti attracts thousands of devotees and tourists, who gather on the banks, the bridge, or the river cruise ship to witness this divine spectacle. The best spots and tips to watch the Ganga Aarti are:
From the river cruise ship: This is the most comfortable and enjoyable way to watch the Ganga Aarti, as you can get a close and clear view of the ritual, while also enjoying the scenic beauty of the river and the city. The river cruise ship operates from 5 pm to 8 pm, and charges Rs. 300 per person, which includes snacks and beverages. You can book your tickets online or at the counter near the ghat.
From the bridge: This is the most economical and convenient way to watch the Ganga Aarti, as you can get a panoramic and aerial view of the ritual, while also avoiding the crowd and the noise. The bridge is the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, which is the longest river bridge in India, spanning over 5 km. You can walk or drive to the bridge, and find a suitable spot to watch the Ganga Aarti.
From the bank: This is the most traditional and authentic way to watch the Ganga Aarti, as you can get a direct and immersive view of the ritual, while also feeling the spiritual vibe and the energy of the crowd. The bank is the Gandhi Ghat, where the Ganga Aarti is performed. You can reach the ghat by any mode of transportation, and find a place to sit or stand near the ghat. However, be prepared to face some challenges, such as the lack of space, the pollution, and the beggars.
The River Cruise Ship at Gandhi Ghat
Another attraction that you can enjoy at Gandhi Ghat is the river cruise ship, which is a luxurious and fun way to explore the river Ganga and the city of Patna. The river cruise ship operates from 5 pm to 8 pm, and charges Rs. 300 per person, which includes snacks and beverages. You can book your tickets online or at the counter near the ghat. The river cruise ship offers a variety of facilities and features, such as:
A spacious and comfortable deck, with seating arrangements and tables, where you can relax and enjoy the views.
A restaurant and a bar, where you can order delicious food and drinks, such as biryani, kebabs, mocktails, and cocktails.
A live band and a DJ, where you can listen to music and dance to your favorite tunes.
A guide and a commentary, where you can learn about the history and culture of Patna and the river Ganga, as well as the landmarks and attractions that you will see along the way.
The river cruise ship takes you on a memorable journey, covering some of the most scenic and historic places in and around Patna, such as:
The Gandhi Ghat, where you can watch the Ganga Aarti from a close and clear perspective, and feel the spiritual aura of the ritual.
The Mahatma Gandhi Setu, where you can admire the engineering marvel of the longest river bridge in India, and see the panoramic view of the city and the river.
The Patna Sahib Gurudwara, where you can visit the sacred shrine of the Sikhs, and see the golden dome and the white marble structure of the gurudwara.
The Patna Museum, where you can see the rich collection of artifacts and relics from the ancient and medieval periods of Bihar, such as the Didarganj Yakshi, the Pataliputra capital, and the Buddha relics.
The Golghar, where you can see the unique and impressive granary built by the British in 1786, and climb to the top of the spiral staircase to get a bird’s eye view of the city.
The Kite Festival at Gandhi Ghat
If you are looking for some fun and excitement at Gandhi Ghat, you should not miss the kite festival, which is a colorful and festive event that celebrates the joy of flying kites. The kite festival at Gandhi Ghat is held every year on the 14th of January, which coincides with the Makar Sankranti festival, which marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. The kite festival attracts thousands of kite enthusiasts and spectators, who flock to the ghat to participate in or watch the kite flying competitions, the kite exhibitions, and the kite shows. The features and highlights of the kite festival are:
The kites: The kites are the main attraction of the festival, as they come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Some of the kites are traditional, such as the patang, the charkhi, and the manjha, while some of the kites are modern, such as the stunt kites, the LED kites, and the 3D kites. Some of the kites are also themed, such as the cartoon kites, the patriotic kites, and the religious kites.
The competitions: The competitions are the most thrilling part of the festival, as they test the skills and creativity of the kite flyers. Some of the competitions are individual, such as the longest kite, the highest kite, and the most beautiful kite, while some of the competitions are team-based, such as the kite fighting, the kite cutting, and the kite formation. The winners of the competitions are awarded with prizes and certificates.
The exhibitions: The exhibitions are the most informative part of the festival, as they showcase the history and culture of kite flying in India and around the world. Some of the exhibitions are static, such as the kite museum, the kite gallery, and the kite workshop, while some of the exhibitions are interactive, such as the kite making, the kite painting, and the kite flying lessons.
The shows: The shows are the most entertaining part of the festival, as they feature the performances and demonstrations of the kite experts and celebrities. Some of the shows are musical, such as the kite songs, the kite dances, and the kite bands, while some of the shows are spectacular, such as the kite fireworks, the kite lanterns, and the kite acrobatics.
The best spots and tips to participate in or watch the kite festival are:
From the river cruise ship: This is the most comfortable and enjoyable way to participate in or watch the kite festival, as you can get a close and clear view of the kites, while also enjoying the scenic beauty of the river and the city. The river cruise ship operates from 10 am to 6 pm, and charges Rs. 500 per person, which includes snacks and beverages. You can book your tickets online or at the counter near the ghat.
From the bridge: This is the most economical and convenient way to participate in or watch the kite festival, as you can get a panoramic and aerial view of the kites, while also avoiding the crowd and the noise. The bridge is the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, which is the longest river bridge in India, spanning over 5 km. You can walk or drive to the bridge, and find a suitable spot to fly or watch the kites.
From the bank: This is the most traditional and authentic way to participate in or watch the kite festival, as you can get a direct and immersive view of the kites, while also feeling the festive vibe and the energy of the crowd. The bank is the Gandhi Ghat, where the kite festival is held. You can reach the ghat by any mode of transportation, and find a place to fly or watch the kites. However, be prepared to face some challenges, such as the lack of space, the pollution, and the beggars.
Gandhi Ghat is a place where you can experience the best of Patna, from its history and culture, to its beauty and fun. Whether you want to witness the majestic Ganga Aarti, enjoy the luxurious river cruise ship, participate in the colorful kite festival, or simply relax and admire the views, Gandhi Ghat has something for everyone. Gandhi Ghat is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore Patna and its charm.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Patna today, and don’t forget to visit Gandhi Ghat. You will surely have a memorable and unforgettable time there.
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