Haridwar, Uttarakhand · riverfront
The evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is one of North India's most stirring living rituals — a nightly offering of light to the River Ganga performed at Brahma Kund, the most sacred spot on Haridwar's central ghat. "Har Ki Pauri" translates roughly as "the footsteps of the Lord," and Brahma Kund is revered as the place where, in the churning-of-the-ocean legend, a drop of amrita (the nectar of immortality) is believed to have fallen. It is this sanctity that draws pilgrims to bathe here and, at dusk, to gather in their thousands along the ghat steps and the connecting footbridges for the aarti.
The evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is one of North India's most stirring living rituals — a nightly offering of light to the River Ganga performed at Brahma Kund, the most sacred spot on Haridwar's central ghat.
the evening Shringar Aarti begins around sunset, reported at approximately 6:00–6:30 PM in summer and about 5:30–6:00 PM in winter, with a separate Mangala Aarti at dawn; confirm the exact time locally, as it shifts with the season and swells enormously during Kanwar Yatra, Kartik Purnima and the Kumbh/Ardh Kumbh melas. There is no ticket to attend — the ghat is a public riverfront and the aarti is free — though donations to the Ganga Sabha are welcomed.
Verified: August 2026
Address
Brahma Kund, Har Ki Pauri ghat, Ganga riverfront, central Haridwar, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249401
How to Reach: Brahma Kund sits at the heart of Haridwar's ghats, about 1.5-2 km from Haridwar Junction railway station. From the station or bus stand, a cycle-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs roughly ₹30-60 (10-15 minutes); much of the old-town approach is pedestrian-only, so expect to walk the final stretch through the bazaar. Vehicles are restricted near the ghat during aarti hours, so allow extra time on foot.
The evening Shringar Aarti begins at sunset — reported at roughly 6:00-6:30 PM in summer and about 5:30-6:00 PM in winter — and lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. Times shift with the season and daylight, so confirm locally the same day. A separate Mangala Aarti is also held at dawn.
No. Har Ki Pauri is a public riverfront ghat and the aarti is free to attend. There is no ticket, though voluntary donations to the Shri Ganga Sabha, which organises the ritual, are welcomed. Small leaf-boats of flowers and a diya to float on the river cost only a few rupees from vendors.
Brahma Kund is in the heart of old Haridwar, about 1.5-2 km from Haridwar Junction railway station. A cycle-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs roughly ₹30-60 and takes 10-15 minutes, but the last stretch through the bazaar is pedestrian-only and vehicles are restricted near the ghat during aarti hours, so plan to walk the final part.
The aarti in its present organised form dates to 1916 and has been conducted ever since by the Shri Ganga Sabha. It is performed at Brahma Kund, revered as the spot where a drop of amrita (nectar of immortality) is believed to have fallen. Priests circle large tiered brass lamps toward the river amid bells, conch calls and the chant of 'Om Jai Gange Mata.'
Arrive 45-60 minutes early to claim a step with a clear river view, as the ghat fills quickly. Dress modestly, remove footwear near the water, and keep valuables secure in the dense crowd. The Ganga's current at Brahma Kund is powerful, so bathers should hold the chained railings and stay within the shallow enclosure. Be respectful and careful around the flame-offerings.
Haridwar is a holy city that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by custom, so the lanes around Har Ki Pauri and Bara Bazaar are entirely pure-vegetarian. You will find sattvik thalis, kachori-sabzi, puri-aloo, chaat and famous local sweets like jalebi and rabri. Long-running spots such as Mohan Ji Puri Wale and the Bara Bazaar bhojanalayas and sweet shops are dependable; check current hours locally.