Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. The city has 88 ghats. Most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats, while two ghats, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are used exclusively as cremation sites. Most Varanasi ghats were rebuilt in the 18th century, when the city came under Maratha rule. Most ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while some are privately owned. Morning boat rides on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular pastime.
In Hindu tradition cremation is one of the rites of passage and the ghats of Varanasi are considered one of the auspicious locations for this ritual. Annually up to 30.000 bodies are cremated on various Varanasi ghats. This practise has become controversial for the pollution it causes to the river.
Ghats are always busy. Learned men who know the religious scriptures sit and chant mantras and hymns while people sit before them doing „puja“. In the evenings Ganga Arti is performed, dedicated to River Ganga, Surya (the setting sun), Agni (the fire) and Lord Shiva. The entire ghat is full of people and boats ferry people to watch from the river.