Assi Ghat
अस्सी घाट
The southernmost ghat on the riverfront, a hub for backpackers and students. The dawn 'Subah-e-Banaras' ceremony and concert are quieter than the evening aarti.
Assi Ghat is the southernmost of the ghats along the Ganges, where the Assi River meets the Ganges. It is next to Banaras Hindu University. The area is full of guesthouses, cafes, yoga studios and classical music schools. The atmosphere is more relaxed than at the main ghats, and it is a base for backpackers. On the ghat is an open-air Shiva lingam, where pilgrims pour water after bathing.
The morning 'Subah-e-Banaras' is highly recommended. From about 5:00 to 6:30, the ghat hosts a morning aarti, Vedic chanting and Indian classical music performances, followed by yoga. As the light grows and mist hangs over the Ganges, there are far fewer people than at the evening aarti. A smaller aarti is also held here in the evening.
From Assi Ghat you can walk north along the ghats for about an hour to Dashashwamedh Ghat. The route passes Harishchandra Ghat cremation ground, Chet Singh Ghat, Giraja Ghat and others. This is one of the best ways to experience Varanasi. You can also hire a boat from here to go north.
In the dry season, the ghats connect and can be walked. During the monsoon (July to September), water levels rise and some sections are flooded.
Opening hours
Open all day; morning ritual begins about 5:00 AM
Nearby sights
- Tulsi Ghat
- Tulsi Manas Mandir
- Chet Singh Ghat
- Durga Temple (Durga Kund)
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Harishchandra Ghat
- Kedar Ghat
- Darbhanga Ghat