We reach the east bank about 45 minutes before the aarti, usually around 5:15 pm in summer and closer to 4:45 pm in December and January, when the ceremony starts earlier. That gives time to walk the riverbank, see the main temple roofs glowing in the last light from across the water and find space on the stone terraces facing the ghats. On Mondays, Saturdays, full-moon nights and during the month of Shrawan the steps fill quickly, so arriving early matters more then.
The aarti itself is led by young priests in saffron and white, each standing at a small platform on the river steps. It opens with conch shells and the ringing of bells, moves through bhajans sung by the crowd, and builds to the waving of large multi-tiered brass lamps toward the river and the temple. Cremation fires continue to burn a short way downstream throughout, which many guests find moving rather than disturbing. Devotees sing along and float small leaf-plate lamps on the river.
Anyone may watch, and non-Hindus are welcome on the terraces; only the main temple courtyard is restricted. Photography of the aarti from the east bank is generally accepted, but turn off the flash and do not point lenses at the cremation platforms. Bring a light shawl from October to March, as the stone steps cool fast after dark. The aarti lasts about an hour; timings can shift for festivals and special days, so check current status before you travel.
Good for
- Pilgrims
- Families
- Seniors
- Couples
- Photographers
Questions travellers ask
What time does the Pashupatinath aarti start?
The Bagmati aarti usually starts around 6 pm from spring to autumn and about 5:30 pm in winter, following sunset. It runs for roughly an hour. Times change for festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and Teej and on special days, so we confirm the timing on the day; please check current status before you travel.
Can non-Hindus watch the Pashupatinath evening aarti?
Yes. The aarti takes place on the river steps outside the main courtyard, and everyone may watch from the terraces on the east bank of the Bagmati. Foreign visitors pay the complex entry fee of around NPR 1,000. Dress modestly, sit quietly, and follow the lead of devotees around you when they stand or sing.
Is the Pashupatinath aarti similar to the Ganga aarti in Varanasi?
It follows a similar pattern of lamps, bells, conch shells and bhajans, but it is smaller and more intimate than the Varanasi Ganga aarti. The Bagmati is a narrow river, so you sit close to the priests and the temple. Many Indian pilgrims tell us the setting, with the temple roofs behind, feels more personal.
