Dashashwamedh Ghat: The vibrant heart of Varanasi, this ghat hosts the most spectacular Maha Shivaratri celebrations. Thousands gather here for the legendary Ganga Aarti, which takes on a divine intensity. It’s also the primary hub for devotees heading to the nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple. (Image: Instagram)

Assi Ghat: Located at the confluence of the Ganga and Assi rivers, this ghat is famous for “Subah-e-Banaras.” On Shivaratri, it becomes a center for early morning Vedic chants, yoga, and aarti, offering a relatively serene yet powerful start to the holy day. (Image: Instagram)

Manikarnika Ghat: Known as the “Gateway to Moksha,” this burning ghat represents the eternal cycle of life and death. During Shivaratri, its spiritual energy is palpable as devotees pay respects to Mahadev, the lord of cremation grounds, amidst the glowing, never-extinguished funeral pyres. (Image: Instagram)

Kedar Ghat: Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kedar, this ghat features a striking red-and-white striped temple reminiscent of the Himalayas. South Indian devotees especially throng here during Shivaratri to perform abhishek and ritual baths, creating a unique, cross-cultural atmosphere of deep devotion. (Image: Instagram)

Scindia Ghat: Famous for its partially submerged Shiva temple, this ghat offers a mystical backdrop for meditation. Legend says the Hindu god Agni was born here. During the “Great Night of Shiva,” the quiet, half-sunken shrine serves as a poignant symbol of unwavering faith. (Image: Instagram)

Panchganga Ghat: Believed to be the meeting point of five sacred rivers, this ghat is spiritually potent for a holy dip. On Shivaratri, devotees visit the Alamgir Mosque—built over an ancient Shiva temple—reflecting the city’s complex history and the enduring presence of Mahadev. (Image: Instagram)

Harishchandra Ghat: One of the oldest cremation sites, it is named after the legendary King Harishchandra, who personified truth. During Shivaratri, it reminds visitors of Shiva’s role as the ultimate truth and destroyer of ego, offering a somber yet  but reflective spiritual experience. (Image: Instagram)