Assi Ghat Varanasi: Mythological Tales, Aarti Timings, Locations, and More

Varanasi, Kashi, or Banaras is one of the oldest cities, known for being a home of 88 Ghats situated on its banks. According to Hindu folks, each of them holds a significant meaning behind it. 

Among many, Assi Ghat is the biggest ghat of the city. Its divine beauty, vibrant atmosphere, and compelling scenery attract thousands of devotees and tourists every year. 

So, if this place left you intrigued, continue reading this article to uncover all the relevant details, including its mythological tale, location, aarti timings, and more. 

Assi Ghat: A Hallowed Ground of Spirituality and Serenity

Assi Ghat, a vibrant cultural hub where the Assi River meets the Ganga River, is one of the most popular and biggest ghats in Varanasi. Every day, hundreds of people come to this holy place for morning prayers, yoga sessions, boat rides, and to attend the popular Ganga aarti. 

Along with this, this ghat is surrounded by numerous cafés, street food, music, and art, delivering a youthful and lively vibe. 

Thus, we can say whether you are here for devotion or for mesmerizing serenity visuals; Assi Ghat gives a warm, energetic, and welcoming side of Varanasi. 

The Mythological Tales of Assi Ghat Kashi

Varanasi Assi Ghat is a place where various mythologies breathe with every ripple of the holy Ganga River. Below, we have mentioned some popular tales, which explain why this ghat is considered holy and why people feel a deep spiritual connection in its atmosphere. 

1. Goddess Durga’s Sword: After killing the two dangerous demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, Maa Durga threw her sword (The Assi) into the river, giving the ghat its name. 

2. A Lord Shiva Devotee: There was a sage (named Assi), who spent many years at this ghat, mediating and worshipping Lord Shiva by the river. It is said that Lord Shiva is pleased with his devotion and blessed him here.

3. Poet Tulsidas and His Writings: Many ancestors believed that the poet Tulsidas, who wrote Ramcharitmanas, stayed near this ghat for a very long time. Ghats’ peaceful atmosphere helps him to relax and continue writing without any distractions. 

Thus, these different Assi Ghat story show why it is considered a sacred and inspiring place. Each tale adds meaning to this ghat, making it a symbol of devotion, strength, and spirituality. 

How to Reach Assi Ghat Varanasi? 

In this section, let’s find out how to reach the Assi Ghat location through different modes of transport. 

Google Maps Assi Ghat Directions: 

1. By Air: The closest airport to this holy place is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), located in Varanasi, around 28.2 km away from the ghat. From here, you can take a taxi or a cab, which will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach, depending on the traffic.

2. By Train: Varanasi Junction (BSB), also known as Varanasi Cantt Station, is the nearest railway station, about 3.6 km away from the Assi Ghat. You can take an auto-rickshaw, cab, taxi, or any other local transport to reach the ghat in just 20–25 minutes. 

3. By Road: From the BHU Gate university area, you can take a direct e-rickshaw that will hardly take 7–8 minutes to reach Assi Ghat. Also, you can use a private car and park it in the nearby open ground once you reach the ghat. 

Assi Ghat Aarti Time and Entry Fee

Assi Ghat Ganga aarti is one of the most sacred activities that is performed daily by the priests of Varanasi twice a day, offering prayers and gratitude to Goddess Ganga. Its morning aarti is known as “Subah-e-Banaras”. 

Below, we have presented its Ganga aarti Assi Ghat timing slot. Take a quick look.

Subah-e-Banaras (Duration 45 Minutes to 1 Hour)
Summer	5:00 AM
Winter	5:30 AM

Assi Ghat Evening Aarti Time (Duration 45 Minutes)
Around 6:00 PM (after sunset)

Notably, the Assi Ghat is open 24/7 and there is no entry fee to attend the aarti. 

What is the Best Time to Visit Assi Ghat Varanasi? 

As we have aforementioned, the Subah-e-Banaras (morning aarti) at Assi Ghat is a popular attraction of this place. It happened every day without fail, but surely every season and on particular occasions delivers different experiences. 

Thus, examine the pointers below to comprehend this more precisely. 

1. Winter (October-March): At this time, the weather is quite cool, ranging between 5 °C and 15 °C, making it one of the best places to visit in October in India. You can explore the beauty of the city, perform pooja, and old rituals without facing any discomfort from extreme temperatures. 

2. Summer (April-June): During these months, the place is not very crowded. But daytime is quite hot, so we recommend that you attend the Ganga aarti and the Assi Ghat boat ride early in the morning or when the sun is about to set. 

3. Monsoon (July-September): With the pleasant weather, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at any time of day. However, heavy rainfall may affect the boat ride timings, so be cautious about this. 

4. Evidently, on the auspicious days like Makar Sankranti, Probodhini Ekadashi, Dev Deepawali, and Solar and Lunar Eclipses (Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahan), pilgrimage may witness entirely different experiences which cannot match any other season or time. 

What are the Best Things You Can Do at Assi Ghat? 

From taking a holy dip in the Ghat water and attending morning Ganga aarti to a boat ride and exploring street art, there are lots of things you can do at Assi Ghat. 

Thus, check out the pointers below thoroughly to comprehend this more precisely. 

1. Take a Holy Bath in the Ganga River 

Starts your day by taking a holy dip in the water of the ghat, where the Assi River meets the Ganga River. According to Hindu mythology, there is an old belief that any individual who takes a bath in this water liberates themselves from the cycle of life and death. 

After bathing, you can enjoy the cold, peaceful breeze of the ghat while admiring the beauty of nature in its entirety. 

2. Attend Subah-e-Banaras (Morning Ganga Aarti) 

An Assi Ghat morning aarti is immensely known as Subah-e-Banaras. It is one of the most popular attractions of this place that performs every day early in the morning. 

At this time, seven priests from Banaras chant Vedic mantras and classical music to seek blessings from Goddess Ganga and Surya Dev. There is an echo of “Har Har Mahadev” in the air of this place. 

Thus, no matter what, don’t miss the chance to witness such a divine and breathtaking moment, where spirituality meets nature. 

3. Perform Pooja at Ghat

After attending the Ganga aarti, perform a pooja by lighting a diya, offering flowers, scented sticks, and some sweets to the Goddess Ganga. This simple old Hindu ritual will surely give you a sense of calmness and relaxation at the core of your soul. 

Also, you can chant mantras, do yoga, or meditate near the river to worship the rising sun.

4. Take a Boat Ride 

Take a sunrise or sunset Assi Ghat boat ride to explore the spectacular visuals of nature. This may cost from ₹100 to 300 (per person), depending on the boat and the time you board it. 

Additionally, you can take cameras with you to capture the secrets of how much nature left you stunned and fresh flowers/new clothes to seek blessings from Goddess Ganga. 

5. Explore Local Food and Art at the Street  

Stroll around the streets of Varanasi, explore the mesmerizing wall arts through an open-air gallery. The colorful street wall art adds life to every corner of the ghat, while the food stalls fill the air with delicious smells. 

From hot kachoris and tamatar chaat to cold lassi, you can wander and treat your taste buds with the savory local food that you can find nowhere else.  

In a nutshell, spending your day at Assi Ghat in Varanasi will surely be one of the best experiences of your life, which makes you wish to visit this place again soon. 

Popular Nearby Attractions of Assi Ghat Varanasi 

To enjoy every moment of your Kashi trip, plan a vacation for at least 4–5 days. So that you can explore more hidden gems located near this ghat. Below, we have mentioned the names of the places you can visit after spending your day at Assi Ghat Banaras. 

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, also known as Vishwanath and Vishweshwara, meaning the Lord of the Universe. It is a central attraction of the city, holding strong spirituality and historical significance. Moreover, Assi Ghat to Kashi Vishwanath Temple is only 3.3 km away, which will take you only half an hour to reach. 

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat

Located near the bank of the river, this sacred ground is widely recognized for its vibrant and divine evening Ganga aarti. Thousands of devotees and tourists visit this ghat to witness the pure moment of spirituality every year. Furthermore, the Assi Ghat distance to this ghat is around 3.2 km; you can take any public transport to reach. 

3. Manikarnika Ghat

Also known as “The Ghat of Death” or “Mahashmashan”, this place is where death is celebrated. It is one of the sacred and oldest cremation grounds and is believed to offer liberation (moksha) to the souls that are cremated here. 

Notably, the Manikarnika Ghat to Assi Ghat distance is approximately 3.7 km, so don’t miss the chance to witness the moment where death and Lord Shiva devotion meet.

4. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is one of the largest residential universities in Asia. It is renowned for its historical buildings and rich cultural heritage. Additionally, you can visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, located within this campus, and explore the fascinating historical and cultural beauty of Kashi. 

5. The Ashoka Pillar

Located 13.4 km away from the Assi Ghat, this is one of the oldest monuments, depicting the architectural and historical legacy of our country. Visit this place, take a guide, and learn the history of this place to experience something new and valuable on your trip. 

Apart from this, you can also visit places like Man Mandir Observatory, the Thai temple, the Chaukhandi Stupa, New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Mandir), and the rest to enjoy every bit of your vacation. 

Famous Food Joints and Accommodation Near Assi Ghat Varanasi 

Moving forward, let’s examine the names of some amazing eateries and hotels near this holy place, so that you can plan everything, avoiding any sort of inconvenience. 

1. Savoury Food Joints to Check Out 

Below, we have mentioned the top three food joints located near the Assi Ghat that serve Kashi’s local dishes with some of their own specialties at budget-friendly prices. Check them out.

1. Aum Café

Situated on the roof of one of the passages near Assi Ghat, this beautiful place is neat, clean, and the best option to grab a tasty breakfast or lunch at an affordable price. Here you can get a variety of vegan foods, desserts, and pure vegetarian food. 

Images	Special Dishes	Starting Price
	Idli, Coconut Chutney, and Dhal Soup	120/-
	Mozzarella Cheese Pizza	230/-
	Cheese and Tomato on Toasted Bread	150/-
	Flapjacks/Pancakes (Classic)	150/-

2. Pizzeria Vaatika Café

Just like its name, this place offers different types of pizzas along with other popular dishes. This place is clean and air-conditioned, where you can get from pasta and garlic bread to hot coffee and cold shakes, anything at a moderate rate. 

So, try out this place for evening snacks or a healthy dinner. 

Images	Special Dishes	Starting Prices
	Margherita (Tomato Puree & Cheese)	330/-
	White Sauce Pasta (Mushroom, Cheese, Cream, & Vegetable)	400/-
	Bati Chokha Special Thali (with Dessert)	300/-
	Apple Pie with Ice Cream	150/-

3. Aadha-Aadha Café

If you are vegan or want to try something fancy for your breakfast, this Aadha-Aadha Café is the ideal eatery for you. With a fancy interior, perfect for a photoshoot, this place offers different Chinese, Indian, and Italian food to its customers. 

Images	Special Dishes	Starting Prices
	Vegetarian Thali	230/-
	Pancake with Banana and Nutella	130/-
	Crêpe with Honey and Lemon	80/-
	Vegan Chilli Tofu	260/-

Additionally, you can wander around the streets of Varanasi to taste the aroma and famous street food like kachori sabzi, lassi, dahi vada, and tamatar chaat of the city. 

2. Budget-Friendly Accommodations Around Assi Ghat 

Considering a comfortable place to stay during the trip is another important aspect that should not be ignored. In this section, we have presented not only beautiful and home-like places but also affordable ones. 

Thus, examine them thoroughly to find your best match. 

1. Shri Hari Kunj P. Guest House

Travelling with a moderate budget, this guest house offers a neat and clean room with a single double bed. It has all the basic accommodation requirements, making your entire stay comfortable and pleasant. Moreover, this place is located just 3 minutes from the Assi Ghat, so you don’t have to spend much on transportation.

Pricing Details Per Night
Room Type	Per Night Price
Economy	₹1,025 total (includes taxes & fees)
Basic	₹1,333 total (includes taxes & fees)
Address	House B, Shree Hari Kunj P. Guest, 1/131, Assi, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005

2. Shanti Inn Dormitory

This dormitory offers a single-bed arrangement at a budget-friendly price, making it a perfect option for solo travelers or for those who are traveling with friends. It delivers almost all amenities with a luxurious, safe adobe and easy access to the popular attractions of the city.  

Pricing Details Per Night
Standard Shared Dormitory ₹1,588 total (includes taxes & fees) for a single bed
Address: 53, Luxa Rd, opposite Utsav Vatika, Sidhgiribagh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010

3. Shri Guest House & Roof Top Restaurant

With the laid-back rooms, this beautiful guest house is located just 5 minutes away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It offers a premium quality mattress, clean surroundings, a flat TV screen, and, most importantly, rooftop cozy restaurant seating. So, whether you are travelling with family or friends, this place is worth trying. 

Pricing Details Per Night
Double Room with Shared Bathroom ₹1,054 for 2 adults
Address: 17/122A, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, near Maa Ganga Temple, opp. Jal Police, Near Dashaswmedh Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

Essential Travel Tips for Your Trip to Assi Ghat Varanasi

Whether you are a female tourist, travel blogger, or travelling with friends and family, there are certain things you must consider before reaching the ghat. 

Thus, below, we have elaborated on these factors thoroughly. Give a good read. 

1. For Solo/Female Tourist: This sacred place is crowded almost every time of the year. Be mindful of your belongings, dress modestly, avoid isolated areas at night, pre-book all sorts of transportation, and always carry local emergency numbers with you. 

2. For Photographers/Travel Bloggers: As a responsible citizen, try to shoot visuals of Assi Ghat without disturbing locals. Also, be aware of pocket pickers, avoid non-vegetarian food & alcohol, dress appropriately, and commute via public transport. 

3. For Families With Senior Citizens or Children:  Plan your visit to Ghat early in the morning or after sunset to avoid extreme heat. Along with this, prioritize easily accessible transport, stay in nearby hotels, and feast at the clean restaurants to avoid potential health issues. 

Moreover, stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothes, try to carry moderate luggage, and always stay alert and cautious about your belongings so that you can enjoy your trip heartily. 

Heavenly Assi Ghat Varanasi Photo Gallery 

Enough of reading! After knowing everything about this place, it’s time to dive into the mesmerizing pictures of the Assi Ghat’s divine surroundings that will surely leave you awestruck. 

Bottom Line 

Wrapping up! Assi Ghat is not just a riverside stop; it’s a place where spirituality, faith, and everyday Varanasi life meet naturally. From its mythological link with Maa Durga to its divine daily Ganga aarti, everything here feels meaningful and rooted. 

Notably, the vibes here are positive enough to lift anyone’s spirit, and even the breeze is filled with pure devotion and spirituality. 

So, what are you waiting for? Send a message to your friends group, pack your bags, and visit this amazing holy ground to witness the beauty of religious faith of thousands of people.