Assi Ghat

4.6

Location: Nagwa Rd, Assi ghat, Anandbagh, Dumraon Colony, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour

The southernmost ghat in Varanasi is Assi Ghat. It is known for being a place where long-term foreign students, researchers, and tourists live, to most visitors to Varanasi. Assi ghat provides a spectacular notion of river Ganga, by hosting Subah-e-Banaras in the morning. It is one of the most popular ghats of Varanasi and also the biggest one. Assi Ghat is a ghat that is often visited for entertainment and during festivals. On normal days around 300 people come every hour in the morning and 2500 people every hour on festival days. Most of the people who visit the ghat on a normal day are students of the nearby Banaras Hindu University. The ghat can accommodate around 22,500 people at a time during festivals like Shivaratri. During the iconic Dev Diwali festival, over 600,000 tourists visit the ghats. At the ghat, There are a lot of activities for tourists to engage in. Visitors can take a boat ride, ascend in a hot-air balloon for an aerial view of the Assi Ghats, enjoy a daily evening talent show, or dine at one of the area’s many restaurants and cafes. Elderly people in an evening group chat at Assi Ghat Hindus believe that Tulsidas went to his heavenly abode at Asi Ghat. After the 2010 bomb attacks in Varanasi, the city deployed additional police in the Assi Ghat neighborhood to deal with tourist problems more quickly.

Attraction

To many tourists, Assi Ghat is famous for the long-term residence of foreign students, scholars, and tourists. It was here that the Indian poet Tulsidas composed his famous poem Ramcharitmanas. The Ganga Aarti Ceremonies begin when night falls down, many tourists will take cruises and appreciate from a long distance. Assi Ghat is an icon of Indian culture and one can experience authentic Indian culture here.

History

Ganga aarti ceremony rituals at Assi Ghat in Varanasi.

In Varanasi, Assi Ghat is one of the most popular ghats. The Ghat was not built due to the Queen’s accidental death, but his Laxminarayan Pancharatna temple was built as the symbol of their religion and love for art, in June 1927. This Ghat was constructed firmly, in the year 1988with the assistance of the State Government. It is said that the Goddess Durga had thrown her sword into the river after killing the demon Shumbha-Nishumbha, According to ancient history. The place is named Assi Ghat because it is located at the confluence of the Ganga and Assi rivers. Assi Ghat is described in Kashi Khand as Assi “Saymbeda Tirtha” meaning, one who dips here once gets the merit of all Tirthas. Generally, Hindu pilgrims take a holy bath here during Chaitya and Magha months as well as some notable events like solar/lunar eclipse, Prabodhini Ekadashi and Makar Sankranti. A huge Shiva lingam is situated under the peepal tree where pilgrims are used to offering Jal and worship after taking holy baths in the Ganga water, at this ghat. In a small temple near the Assi Ghat, one more Shiva Lingam is named Asisangameshwar lingam. Assi Ghat is also described in ancient Hindu literature such as Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, Padma Purana, Agni Purana, and Kashi Khanda. Here, one can spend time very easily without any disturbance. It is an amazing and natural place where students, researchers, and travelers from foreign countries are used to living.

Inside/Outside Views

Ancient Varanasi city architecture with Assi Ghat

Assi ghat is a ghat where one can sit and pass his time without any disturbance. Friends can gossip here freely. It has a beautiful view of nature also, where one can feel nature.

Opening Hours

For the public, Assi Ghat is open 24 hours.

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee for visiting the ghat.

Near Restaurants

Downtown Pizza Restaurant
Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe – Pizza Restaurants in Varanasi
The Charcoal Junction
Aum Cafe
Sparrow Cafe

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air:

The nearest airport is Varanasi airport and it is also well-linked to some of the major cities in India. A person can take taxis or cabs to reach his desired place.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is The Varanasi railway station which is well-connected to many other cities in India via rail. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or a cab to explore the city

By Bus:

By state-run buses, Varanasi is well-connected to many other cities of Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states. From nearby cities to Varanasi, private air-conditioned buses are also available.