Varanasi Ganga Aarti Timing Changes Due to Lunar Eclipse

Varanasi Ganga Aarti: This year's second and final lunar eclipse is set for the night of October 28. During this period, due to inauspicious time, temples, shrines, and ancient religious sites in Varanasi will be closed temporarily.

The time to witness the globally renowned Ganga Aarti, dedicated to Mother Ganga, is usually around 7:00 PM. However, in the past 32 years, the timing of the Ganga Aarti has been altered for the fourth time. The primary reason for this change is the lunar eclipse occurring on this day.

Due to the lunar eclipse on October 28, the Ganga Aarti will commence from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Before this, on August 8, 2017, July 27, 2018, and July 16, 2019, the timing of the Ganga Aarti was shifted to the afternoon due to lunar eclipses.

Ganga Aarti to be Held in Daytime:

The globally renowned Dashaashwamedh Ghat's Ganga Aarti, organized by the Ganga Sewa Nidhi, has changed its timing. Sushant Mishra, the chairman of Ganga Sewa Nidhi, informed that a lunar eclipse is expected on October 28, so the Ganga Aarti in the evening will conclude before the inauspicious time. On the day of the lunar eclipse, the Ganga Aarti will begin at 2:30 PM. There have been three previous instances where the timing of the Ganga Aarti was changed due to lunar eclipses.

Temples and Shrines in Varanasi to Remain Closed:

On the night of October 28, the final lunar eclipse of the year will occur. Prior to this, in view of the inauspicious time, ancient religious sites, temples, and shrines in Varanasi will be temporarily closed. During this time, the entry of devotees will be restricted. Throughout the lunar eclipse, Sadhus, saints, and religious leaders will engage in the recitation of hymns and mantras, along with meditation and prayer in various places.