If you're planning to witness the famous Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, you’ll have to wait a little longer. Authorities have suspended the ritual for the general public until February 5 due to massive crowds flooding the city. With devotees returning from the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Varanasi is seeing an overwhelming surge in visitors.
The move aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure public safety. Apart from the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat, aartis at Sheetla Ghat and Assi Ghat have also been put on hold. The police have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and cooperate with officials as the city deals with the heavy footfall.
Meanwhile, railway stations like Cantt and Banaras are packed with stranded pilgrims waiting for trains. Why Is Ganga Aarti Special? Ganga Aarti is one of Varanasi’s biggest attractions, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists daily. The mesmerising ceremony features priests performing rituals with fire lamps, drum beats, and Vedic chants, and is certainly an experience each traveller hopes to see for themselves.
While aartis happen at various ghats in the city, the grand ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most popular, followed by the quieter celebration at Assi Ghat. Maha Kumbh StampedeThe Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years in Prayagraj, is one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world. Millions of Hindu devotees come to bathe in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam—the meeting point of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasva.