Chhath Puja in Varanasi: Spiritual Grandeur on the Ganges
Varanasi (Kashi) offers a captivating setting for Chhath Puja. The historic city’s famous stone ghats along the Ganges brim with thousands of worshippers clad in traditional clothes, carrying bamboo baskets (daura).
Popular Varanasi Ghats for Chhath
- Assi Ghat: Renowned for its expansive open areas and lively Usha Arghya ceremonies at dawn.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: The core of Kashi, glowing with countless earthen diyas and brass lamps.
- Tulsi Ghat and Rajghat: Favored by local Purvanchali families for family gatherings and traditional ceremonies.
Unique Local Customs
In Varanasi, numerous families rent traditional wooden boats to drift just offshore as they present Arghya to Surya Dev, producing a stunning spectacle of lights shimmering along the Ganges riverfront.
Source: the provided Wave 2 Chhath Puja article compilation. The original article texts and headings are maintained. Summaries, navigation aids, artwork, and clearly marked editorial notes have been included in this edition.