Dashashwamedh ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest and most celebrated riverfront steps in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, set beside the sacred Ganges. Its name means “the ghat of ten horse sacrifices,” recalling a Hindu legend that Lord Brahma performed ten ashvamedha yajnas here to welcome Lord Shiva. The ghat is closely associated with the city’s religious life and draws pilgrims, residents, and visitors throughout the year. At dawn, people gather to bathe in the river, offer prayers, and watch the first light fall across the water and the surrounding temples.

In the evening, the famous Ganga Aarti transforms the steps into a place of spectacle and devotion. Priests dressed in traditional clothing perform synchronized rituals with large brass lamps, incense, conch shells, and rhythmic chants, while crowds watch from the ghat, nearby rooftops, or boats on the river. The ceremony honors the Ganges as a life-giving goddess and reflects the deep spiritual traditions of Varanasi. Dashashwamedh is also a lively public space, where flower sellers, boatmen, pilgrims, and photographers share the busy riverbank. From here, visitors can take a boat ride to see the many ghats stretching along the city’s waterfront, each with its own history and character. Although the crowds can be intense, the ghat offers a vivid glimpse into the everyday rituals and enduring beliefs that shape life in Varanasi. Its blend of sacred meaning, historic associations, and striking riverside activity makes Dashashwamedh Ghat a memorable landmark and an essential part of the city’s cultural identity.

Dashashwamedh Ghat is an excellent place for photography, offering a vivid blend of color, movement, and spiritual life on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. At sunrise, the river glows with soft gold as boats drift past, pilgrims perform their morning rituals, and the city slowly comes to life. These quiet hours are ideal for capturing reflections, silhouettes, and intimate scenes of daily devotion. As the day brightens, the ghat’s broad stone steps, lively crowds, flower sellers, and richly dressed visitors create striking compositions full of texture and energy.

A boat on the river provides a distinctive viewpoint, framing the steps and temples against the changing light. In the evening, Dashashwamedh becomes especially dramatic during the Ganga Aarti.

Priests raise flaming lamps in coordinated ceremonies, while incense, bells, smoke, and gathering worshippers fill the scene with atmosphere. Photographers can capture wide views of the ritual or focus on details such as glowing flames, decorated platforms, and the expressions of people watching.

The contrast between firelight and the deepening blue sky makes this a memorable time to shoot. For thoughtful photography, be respectful of worshippers, ask permission before taking close portraits, and avoid interrupting ceremonies. A versatile lens and a camera that performs well in low light are helpful, though a phone can also capture beautiful images. Visit at different times of day to see how the ghat transforms, and allow yourself time to observe rather than rushing for a single shot. From peaceful dawn scenes to the pageantry of evening worship, Dashashwamedh Ghat offers photographers an extraordinary window into the living culture of Varanasi.

Date / Day : 31st October 2026, Saturday

Time : 6.00 AM

Meeting Point : Dashashwamedh ghat

Our Workshops are free of cost

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Photowalk is open to everyone and one can click from any device.

We also provide free Fujifilm Mirrorless Cameras during the photowalk that can be shared with the group, just bring your SD Card and retrieve the photos once the photowalk is over.

Who can attend

Photowalk is open to all above the Age of 18 Years

Participant can click photos from any camera or mobile phones

If you do not have a camera we will provide you with a mirrorless camera that will be shared with other participants during the photowalk. Please carry a SD Card to so you can take your clicked photos back. We would require a photo ID with address proof to be submitted at the time of the photowalk.

Please note that photo walks are done on foot, so expect lots of walking.

FAQ’s

Is there any Fees for attending the Photowalk ?

All our photowalks across India are free of cost . Government entry fees applies incase of heritage sites participant's need to pay the entry fees for visiting these site.

I do not have a Camera can I participate in the Photowalk ?

Yes surely you can. We provide Fujifilm Mirrorless Cameras for our photowalks that will be shared among the participants. It would be great if you could carry a SD Card, so that you can take back your clicked photographs.

I would like to know more. How can we connect ?

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