Imagine witnessing the glorious sunrise over the holy Ganges, while listening to the chants of priests and devotees, and feeling the spiritual vibes of one of the oldest and most sacred cities in the world. This is what you can experience at Assi Ghat, one of the most popular and beautiful ghats in Varanasi.
Assi Ghat is located at the confluence of the Ganges and the Assi rivers, at the southern end of the city. It is one of the five sacred ghats where pilgrims take a dip in the river to wash away their sins and attain salvation. It is also one of the most lively and vibrant ghats, where you can see various activities, such as yoga, meditation, boating, shopping, and cultural events.
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Assi Ghat, including its rituals, attractions, festivals, and travel tips, and show you why it is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the essence of Varanasi.
Rituals at Assi Ghat
One of the main attractions of Assi Ghat is the daily and special rituals that take place there. The most famous ritual is the morning aarti, which starts at 5:30 am and lasts for an hour. The aarti is performed by a group of young priests, who chant hymns, light lamps, and offer prayers to the Ganges. The aarti is a spectacular sight to behold, as the sun rises over the river and the ghats are illuminated by the flames. You can watch the aarti from the steps of the ghat, or take a boat ride to get a closer view.
Another ritual that happens every day at Assi Ghat is the Ganga puja, which is done by the devotees who come to take a bath in the river. The puja is a way of expressing gratitude and reverence to the river, which is considered as a mother and a goddess. The devotees offer flowers, incense, milk, and sweets to the river, and seek her blessings. The puja is a simple and serene ritual, which reflects the faith and devotion of the people.
Assi Ghat is also the place where Lord Shiva is believed to have sacrificed his 10th head, after being cursed by Brahma. This is why Assi Ghat is also known as Shiva’s ghat, and why there is a Shiva temple near the ghat. The temple is dedicated to Asisangameshwar, which means “the lord of the confluence of the Assi”. The temple is visited by many Shiva devotees, who perform Shiva puja and offer water, milk, and leaves to the lingam.
Apart from the daily rituals, Assi Ghat also hosts some special rituals during certain festivals, such as the Chhath puja, which is celebrated six days after Diwali. The Chhath puja is a tribute to the sun god, who is worshipped as the source of life and energy. The puja involves fasting, bathing, and offering fruits and sweets to the sun god. The puja is done by thousands of women, who dress in colorful sarees and sing folk songs. The puja is a unique and colorful ritual, which showcases the culture and tradition of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Attractions near Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is not only a place of worship, but also a place of exploration. There are many attractions near Assi Ghat that you can visit and enjoy. Some of the popular nearby tourist attractions are:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
This is one of the most revered and visited temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as the Golden Temple, because of its gold-plated domes. The temple is said to house one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are the manifestations of Shiva. The temple is a must-visit for any Shiva devotee, as well as anyone who wants to witness the grandeur and glory of the temple.
Durga Temple:
This is another famous temple in Varanasi, dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is also known as the Monkey Temple, because of the large number of monkeys that reside there. The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture, with a red color and a multi-tiered spire. The temple is visited by many Durga devotees, especially during the Navratri festival, when the temple is decorated and lit up.
Tulsi Manas Temple:
This is a modern temple, built in 1964, dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is named after the poet-saint Tulsi Das, who wrote the epic Ramcharitmanas, which is a Hindi version of the Ramayana. The temple is built in the Shikhara style of architecture, with a white marble facade and a dome. The temple has beautiful carvings and paintings depicting the scenes from the Ramayana. The temple is a place of peace and tranquility, where you can listen to the recitation of the Ramcharitmanas and meditate.
Banaras Hindu University:
This is one of the largest and oldest universities in India, founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The university is spread over 1,300 acres of land, and has more than 30,000 students and 2,000 faculty members. The university is known for its academic excellence, research, and cultural diversity. The university has many attractions, such as the Bharat Kala Bhavan, which is a museum of art and archaeology, the Vishwanath Temple, which is a replica of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the Malaviya Smriti Bhawan, which is a memorial of the founder.
Sarnath Museum:
This is a museum that houses the archaeological and historical artifacts related to Sarnath, which is the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The museum is located 10 km away from Varanasi, and is one of the oldest museums in India, established in 1904. The museum has a rich collection of sculptures, inscriptions, coins, pottery, and paintings, dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD. The museum is famous for its Ashoka Pillar, which has the lion capital, which is the national emblem of India.
Festivals at Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is also a place of celebration, where many festivals are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Some of the festivals that are celebrated at Assi Ghat are:
Maha Shivaratri:
This is the festival of Lord Shiva, which is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna, which falls in February or March. The festival commemorates the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, as well as the night when Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of destruction. The festival is celebrated by fasting, chanting, and offering milk, water, and leaves to Shiva. The festival is also marked by the procession of the Shiva idols, which are taken from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the various ghats, including Assi Ghat. The procession is accompanied by music, dance, and fireworks, and attracts thousands of devotees and spectators.
Holi:
This is the festival of colors, which is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Phalguna, which falls in March. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the joy of life. The festival is celebrated by throwing and applying colors on each other, playing with water, and singing and dancing. The festival is also associated with the legend of Radha and Krishna, who played Holi in the gardens of Vrindavan. The festival is celebrated with great fun and frolic at Assi Ghat, where people of all ages and backgrounds participate and enjoy.
Diwali:
This is the festival of lights, which is celebrated on the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika, which falls in October or November. The festival signifies the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, after defeating the demon king Ravana, as well as the triumph of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival is celebrated by lighting lamps, candles, and fireworks, exchanging gifts and sweets, and worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The festival is celebrated with great splendor and spectacle at Assi Ghat, where the entire ghat is illuminated by thousands of lamps, and the sky is filled with colorful fireworks.
Dev Deepawali:
This is the festival of lights of the gods, which is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Kartika, which falls 15 days after Diwali. The festival signifies the descent of the gods to the earth, to take a bath in the Ganges, and to celebrate the victory of Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. The festival is celebrated by lighting lamps, candles, and fireworks, offering flowers and incense to the river, and performing cultural programs. The festival is celebrated with great grandeur and glory at Assi Ghat, where the entire ghat is illuminated by thousands of lamps, and the sky is filled with colorful fireworks. The festival is also known as the Ganga Mahotsav, which is a five-day cultural festival that showcases the art, music, dance, and literature of Varanasi. The festival is a feast for the eyes and the ears, as you can witness the performances of various artists, musicians, and poets at Assi Ghat.
Ganga Dussehra:
This is the festival of the Ganges, which is celebrated on the 10th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha, which falls in May or June. The festival signifies the descent of the Ganges from heaven to earth, as well as the birthday of the river. The festival is celebrated by taking a dip in the river, offering flowers and sweets to the river, and flying kites. The festival is a celebration of the life-giving and purifying power of the river, as well as the joy and fun of kite flying.
Travel tips for Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is a place that welcomes all kinds of travelers, whether they are families, solo travelers, couples, or groups. However, to make the most of your visit to Assi Ghat, you need to keep in mind some useful tips, such as:
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Assi Ghat is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the festivals are in full swing. You can avoid the summer months, when the temperature can rise up to 45°C, and the monsoon months, when the river can be flooded and dirty.
How to reach:
Assi Ghat is easily accessible by various modes of transport, such as train, bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, or boat. You can take a train to Varanasi Junction or Mughal Sarai Junction, which are the nearest railway stations, and then take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to Assi Ghat. You can also take a bus to Varanasi Bus Stand, which is the nearest bus station, and then take a cycle-rickshaw or a boat to Assi Ghat. Alternatively, you can take a boat ride from any of the other ghats, such as Dashashwamedh Ghat or Manikarnika Ghat, and enjoy the scenic view of the river and the city.
Where to stay:
Assi Ghat has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury, to suit your needs and preferences. You can choose from hotels, guest houses, hostels, homestays, or ashrams, depending on your budget and comfort level. Some of the popular places to stay near Assi Ghat are:
Hotel Ganges View: This is a heritage hotel, located on the banks of the Ganges, offering a panoramic view of the river and the city. The hotel has 13 rooms, each with a unique decor and theme, reflecting the culture and history of Varanasi. The hotel also has a rooftop restaurant, a library, a yoga hall, and a gallery, where you can relax and enjoy. The hotel is a perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the charm and elegance of Varanasi.
Bunkedup Hostel: This is a backpacker hostel, located near Assi Ghat, offering a cozy and friendly atmosphere for travelers. The hostel has dorms and private rooms, each with a comfortable bed, a locker, and a fan. The hostel also has a common area, a kitchen, a cafe, and a terrace, where you can socialize and have fun. The hostel is a perfect choice for travelers who want to meet new people and have a memorable time in Varanasi.
Shiva Ganges View: This is a homestay, located on the rooftop of a building, offering a stunning view of the Ganges and the ghats. The homestay has two rooms, each with a private bathroom, a balcony, and a fan. The homestay also has a garden, a lounge, and a dining area, where you can relax and enjoy. The homestay is a perfect choice for travelers who want to feel at home and have a peaceful time in Varanasi.
What to eat:
Assi Ghat has a plethora of food options, ranging from street food to fine dining, to satisfy your taste buds and appetite. You can try the local delicacies, such as kachori, samosa, chaat, lassi, jalebi, rabri, etc., or the international cuisines, such as Italian, Chinese, Thai, etc., depending on your mood and preference. Some of the popular places to eat near Assi Ghat are:
Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe: This is a cafe, located on the banks of the Ganges, offering a variety of pizzas, pastas, salads, soups, and desserts. The cafe has a cozy and rustic ambience, with a view of the river and the ghats. The cafe is a perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal and a refreshing drink, while watching the sunset and the aarti.
Keshari Ruchikar Byanjan: This is a restaurant, located near Assi Ghat, offering a variety of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. The restaurant has a spacious and elegant ambience, with a courteous and attentive staff. The restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy a sumptuous meal and a fine wine, while listening to the live music and the ghazals.
Blue Lassi Shop: This is a shop, located near Assi Ghat, offering a variety of lassis, which are yogurt-based drinks. The shop has a small and simple ambience, with a wall of photos and notes from the customers. The shop is a perfect place to enjoy a refreshing and nutritious lassi, while choosing from more than 80 flavors, such as mango, banana, chocolate, etc.
What to wear:
Assi Ghat is a place of culture and religion, where you need to respect the local customs and traditions. You need to wear modest and comfortable clothes, such as cotton shirts, pants, skirts, etc., and avoid revealing and tight clothes, such as shorts, tank tops, etc. You also need to cover your head and remove your shoes, when entering any temple or sacred place. You can also wear colorful and festive clothes, such as sarees, kurtas, etc., during the festivals, to blend in with the crowd and the mood.
What to avoid:
Assi Ghat is a place of peace and harmony, where you need to avoid any kind of trouble or inconvenience. You need to avoid the following things, when visiting Assi Ghat:
Crowds and touts: Assi Ghat can be very crowded and chaotic, especially during the festivals and the peak seasons. You need to be careful and vigilant, when moving around the ghat, and avoid any kind of pushing or shoving. You also need to be wary of the touts and the beggars, who may try to scam or harass you. You need to politely decline their offers and requests, and walk away.
Pollution and dirt: Assi Ghat can be very polluted and dirty, due to the large number of people and activities. You need to be hygienic and cautious, when using the water or the facilities at the ghat, and avoid any kind of contamination or infection. You also need to be responsible and eco-friendly, when disposing of your waste or your offerings, and avoid littering or dumping them in the river or the ghat.
Photography and videography: Assi Ghat can be very photogenic and scenic, due to its natural and cultural beauty. You need to be respectful and discreet, when taking photos or videos at the ghat, and avoid any kind of intrusion or disturbance. You also need to seek permission and pay a fee, when taking photos or videos of the people or the places, and avoid any kind of violation or offense.
Assi Ghat is a sacred and scenic spot in Varanasi that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to its visitors. From its rituals and attractions to its festivals and travel tips, Assi Ghat has something for everyone who wants to explore the culture and spirituality of Varanasi.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Varanasi and witness the magic of Assi Ghat for yourself. You will not regret it.
