Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri
The evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri is the one thing almost every visitor to Haridwar comes to see. A little planning makes the difference between watching it and watching the back of a crowd.
By the Amartarangini team. Last checked in October 2026.
- Where
- Har Ki Pauri (Brahmakund), Haridwar
- When
- Every day at sunrise and at sunset
- Organised by
- Shri Ganga Sabha
- Entry
- Free
- From the hotel
- About 9 km, around 15 minutes by road in light traffic
What happens
As the light fades, priests stand at the water with large tiered lamps while bells ring and the crowd sings. Thousands of small leaf boats carrying flowers and a lit diya are set afloat on the river. The whole ceremony is short, usually well under half an hour, so being in place before it starts matters.
When to arrive
The aarti follows sunset, so the time moves through the year: roughly 5:30 PM in midwinter and close to 7 PM in midsummer. Our home page shows today's sunset time for Haridwar, and reception can tell you the current aarti time.
Aim to reach the ghat 45 to 60 minutes early if you want to sit on the steps. On weekends, festival days and during the Kumbh, go earlier still.
Where to stand
- The steps facing Brahmakund give the classic view of the lamps.
- The island platform with the clock tower, across the channel, looks straight back at the priests and is a good choice for photographs.
- If you arrive late, the footbridges over the channel still give a clear view from above.
Etiquette and safety
- Remove footwear before the ghat. There are paid shoe stands near the entrances.
- Dress modestly, and carry as little as you can.
- Donations are voluntary. If you choose to give, ask for an official receipt.
- The current is strong. If you bathe, use the chains and railings and stay in the marked area.
- Keep phones and wallets in a front pocket or a zipped bag.
Getting back
Roads around the ghat jam for a while after the aarti. Agree a pickup point with your driver before you walk in, or wait twenty minutes and let the first rush clear.
From Amartarangini
Har Ki Pauri is about 9 km from Amartarangini. Leave the hotel at least 90 minutes before sunset on a normal day. Reception can help arrange a taxi both ways.
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Questions guests ask
What time is the evening Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri?
It is held at sunset, so the time changes through the year, from roughly 5:30 PM in midwinter to close to 7 PM in midsummer. Check the current time locally on the day.
Is there an entry fee for the aarti?
No. Entry is free. Donations are voluntary.