Saryu Aarti Time Today in Ayodhya (2026): Month-wise Timing, Best Place & Guide
Saryu Aarti in Ayodhya starts around 6 PM in winter and 7 PM in summer at Saryu Ghat near Ram Ki Paidi. Month-wise timing, best spots, light show & FAQs.
Last updated: 29 September 2026
Saryu Aarti time (short answer): The evening Saryu Aarti in Ayodhya is held every day, shortly after sunset — around 6:00 PM in winter and around 7:00 PM in summer. It takes place at Saryu Ghat (Naya Ghat), right next to Ram Ki Paidi, lasts about 30–45 minutes, and is free for everyone. In October–November 2026, expect it to start at about 6:00–6:15 PM. Reach 30–45 minutes early for a good spot on the steps.
Many websites give one fixed time for Saryu Aarti, and that is why visitors get confused. The truth is simple: the aarti follows sunset, and sunset in Ayodhya moves by almost 1 hour 45 minutes between December and July. Below you will find a month-wise timing table, the exact place to sit, how to reach, and what to do before and after the aarti — everything you need in one page.
Saryu Aarti Time Today: Month-wise Timing Table
Use this table to plan your evening. Sunset times are calculated for Ayodhya; the aarti start time is the usual pattern seen at the ghat.
| Month | Sunset in Ayodhya (approx.) | Saryu Aarti starts (approx.) | Reach the ghat by |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5:30 PM | 6:00 PM | 5:15 PM |
| February | 5:50 PM | 6:15 PM | 5:30 PM |
| March | 6:10 PM | 6:30 PM | 5:45 PM |
| April | 6:25 PM | 6:45 PM | 6:00 PM |
| May | 6:40 PM | 7:00 PM | 6:15 PM |
| June | 6:55 PM | 7:15 PM | 6:30 PM |
| July | 6:55 PM | 7:15 PM | 6:30 PM |
| August | 6:40 PM | 7:00 PM | 6:15 PM |
| September | 6:05 PM | 6:30 PM | 5:45 PM |
| October | 5:35 PM | 6:00–6:15 PM | 5:15 PM |
| November | 5:10 PM | about 6:00 PM | 5:15 PM |
| December | 5:10 PM | about 6:00 PM | 5:15 PM |
How to confirm today's time: The start time can shift by 10–15 minutes on festival days, VIP visits or bad weather. If you have a train or flight after the aarti, ask the priests or shopkeepers at the ghat in the afternoon — they always know that evening's time.
Where Is Saryu Aarti Held? Saryu Ghat, Naya Ghat and Ram Ki Paidi Explained
This is the biggest confusion online, so here is the clear picture:
- Saryu Ghat / Naya Ghat — the main bathing ghat on the Saryu river. The daily evening Saryu Aarti is performed here, facing the river.
- Ram Ki Paidi — a series of steps and ghats built along a channel of the Saryu, right beside Naya Ghat. It is the famous Deepotsav venue and the site of the evening light show. Because the two are next to each other, people often say "Ram Ki Paidi aarti" and "Saryu Ghat aarti" for the same evening ritual.
- Guptar Ghat — a separate, quieter ghat about 8–10 km away. It has its own evening prayers but is not the main Saryu Aarti. Read our Guptar Ghat guide if you want a calm sunset spot.
In short: go to the Naya Ghat / Ram Ki Paidi riverfront. If you are unsure, just tell your e-rickshaw driver "Saryu aarti" — every driver in Ayodhya knows the spot.
Best Place to Watch Saryu Aarti
| Spot | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Front steps facing the aarti platform (Naya Ghat) | Closest view, sound of the mantras, feeling the ritual | Fills 20–30 minutes before start; crowded on weekends |
| Upper steps of the ghat | Wide view of all lamps, photos of the full scene | Slightly far from the priests, but less pushing |
| Ram Ki Paidi side steps | Families, elders, more space to sit | Side angle of the aarti; easy to stay on for the light show |
| Boat on the Saryu (on some days) | A unique view of the lamps from the river | Use only registered boats with life jackets; fix the fare before boarding |
Our recommendation for first-timers: sit on the middle steps facing the aarti platform. You get a clear view, space to sit, and an easy way out when the aarti ends.
What Happens During Saryu Aarti (Step by Step)
- Preparation (15–20 min before): Priests set up large brass lamps, conch shells and flowers on the platform facing the river.
- Shankhnad and mantras: The aarti begins with the blowing of conch shells and Vedic chanting in praise of Maa Saryu.
- Main aarti: Priests move multi-tiered lamps in rhythm with bells and bhajans. This is the moment most people record.
- Deep daan: Devotees float small leaf-lamps (diyas) on the Saryu and make a wish. Small diya sets are sold at the ghat for a few rupees.
- Prasad and closing prayer: The aarti ends with a group prayer; prasad is sometimes distributed.
The whole ceremony takes about 30–45 minutes. Bells, conch sounds and hundreds of lamps reflecting on the water make it one of the most peaceful experiences in Ayodhya.
Is Saryu Aarti Free? Entry, Dress and Photography Rules
- Entry fee: None. Saryu Aarti is completely free and open to everyone. You do not need any pass or booking.
- Nobody sells "VIP aarti seats". If someone asks for money for a front seat or a "special pass", politely refuse. The same applies to Ram Mandir passes — read our guide to avoiding VIP darshan fraud.
- Dress: There is no strict dress code. Modest, comfortable clothing is best. Remove footwear before going down to the lower steps.
- Photos and videos: Allowed from the steps. Avoid flash during the main aarti and don't block people behind you. Drones are not allowed without permission.
Saryu Ghat Light Show Timings (Ram Ki Paidi)
On most evenings a short light / laser show on the Ramayana is held at Ram Ki Paidi after the aarti, usually between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM (one show on weekdays, often two on weekends). It is reported to be a low-cost ticketed show, with tickets sold only at the counter on the ghat from the evening. Show days and timings change with the season, festivals and maintenance, so check at the counter when you arrive. Plan your evening like this: Saryu Aarti → light show → dinner.
How to Reach Saryu Ghat / Ram Ki Paidi
| From | Distance (approx.) | Best way |
|---|---|---|
| Hanuman Garhi | About 1 km | Walk (10–15 min) or e-rickshaw |
| Ram Mandir (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi) | About 2 km | E-rickshaw along Ram Path (10–15 min) |
| Ayodhya Dham Junction (railway station) | About 3 km | E-rickshaw or auto (15–20 min) |
| Ayodhya Cantt station | About 8–9 km | Cab or shared auto (25–30 min) |
| Maharishi Valmiki Airport | About 12–14 km | Cab (30–40 min) |
Private cars cannot go all the way to the ghat in the evening. Park at the designated parking and walk or take an e-rickshaw — see our Ayodhya parking guide. For station fares, read station to Ram Mandir auto/cab fare. You can also pre-book our e-rickshaw service so you are not stuck looking for a ride after the aarti.
A Perfect Ayodhya Evening: Suggested Plan
| Time (Oct–Feb) | Plan |
|---|---|
| 3:30 PM | Darshan at Hanuman Garhi |
| 4:15 PM | Kanak Bhawan and a walk through the old lanes |
| 5:15 PM | Reach Saryu Ghat, find a seat, watch the sunset |
| 6:00 PM | Saryu Aarti + deep daan |
| 7:00 PM | Light show at Ram Ki Paidi (if running) |
| 8:00 PM | Dinner — try local food from our famous street food list |
In summer, shift everything about one hour later. Want to add Ram Mandir to the same day? Check the Ram Mandir darshan timing and book a free Sugam Darshan slot on the official Trust portal online.srjbtkshetra.org. For more ideas, see best evening spots in Ayodhya.
Saryu Aarti with Elderly Parents and Children
- The ghat steps are steep and have no railing in many places. Seat elders on the upper steps or the Ram Ki Paidi side, where the ground is flatter.
- Reach 30 minutes early so they don't have to stand in the crowd.
- Keep children away from the lowest steps; the river can be deep near the ghat, especially after the monsoon.
- Carry a small torch — the path back can be dark between lamps.
More tips: wheelchair and senior citizen guide for Ayodhya.
Saryu Aarti on Deepotsav and Festivals
On special days the aarti becomes a Maha Aarti with many more priests and huge crowds:
- Deepotsav 2026 — 7 November: Saryu Maha Aarti after the lighting of lakhs of diyas at Ram Ki Paidi. The ghats close to general movement from the afternoon. Full details: Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 date and schedule.
- Kartik Purnima, Ram Navami, Saryu Jayanti: Very heavy crowds; reach 1–2 hours early.
For official festival announcements, check UP Tourism and the Ayodhya district website.
Saryu Aarti vs Ram Mandir Aarti: Not the Same
| Saryu Aarti | Ram Mandir Aarti | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Saryu Ghat / Ram Ki Paidi riverfront | Inside Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir |
| When | Once every evening, after sunset | Several times a day (Mangla, Shringar, Bhog, Sandhya, Shayan) |
| Pass needed? | No | Yes — free pass from the Trust portal |
| Mobile phone | Allowed | Not allowed inside the temple |
For the Ram Mandir aarti pass, follow our Sugam Darshan and aarti pass guide.
Quick Checklist Before You Go
- Check the month-wise time above and reach 30–45 minutes early.
- Carry a small bag only; keep your phone and wallet safe in the crowd.
- Buy a diya set at the ghat if you want to do deep daan.
- Don't pay anyone for a "special seat".
- Pre-book your ride back — e-rickshaws are in high demand right after the aarti.
FAQ: Saryu Aarti Ayodhya
Saryu Aarti kitne baje hoti hai?
Saryu Aarti roz shaam suryast ke baad hoti hai — sardiyon me lagbhag 6:00 PM aur garmiyon me lagbhag 7:00 PM. October–November me yeh lagbhag 6:00–6:15 PM par shuru hoti hai.
What is the Saryu Aarti time today?
It starts about 20–45 minutes after sunset. In October–November 2026, expect around 6:00–6:15 PM. Festivals can shift it by 10–15 minutes, so confirm at the ghat in the afternoon.
Where exactly is Saryu Aarti held in Ayodhya?
At Saryu Ghat (Naya Ghat) on the Saryu river, right next to Ram Ki Paidi. It is about 1 km from Hanuman Garhi and about 2 km from Ram Mandir.
Is Saryu Aarti held every day?
Yes, the evening Saryu Aarti is performed every day of the year, including festivals. On Deepotsav and big festivals it becomes a larger Maha Aarti.
Is there any ticket or entry fee for Saryu Aarti?
No. Saryu Aarti is free and open to all. No pass or booking is needed, and nobody is authorised to sell seats.
How long does Saryu Aarti last?
About 30–45 minutes, including the mantras, the main aarti and deep daan.
What is the best place to watch Saryu Aarti?
The middle steps of Naya Ghat facing the aarti platform give the best view. Families and elders are more comfortable on the upper steps or on the Ram Ki Paidi side.
Saryu Ghat light show kitne baje hota hai?
Ram Ki Paidi par light show aam taur par aarti ke baad, lagbhag 7:00 se 8:30 PM ke beech hota hai. Ticket ghat ke counter par milta hai; din aur samay badal sakte hain, isliye pahunch kar counter par confirm karein.
Planning an evening in Ayodhya? Our local team can arrange your e-rickshaw, cab and a full-day darshan plan that ends with the Saryu Aarti. Send us an enquiry — we reply within the hour.
Ayodhya-based travel writer and Ministry of Tourism (India) certified guide. 12+ years guiding pilgrims across the Ayodhya–Varanasi–Prayagraj Holy Triangle. Every guide is fact-checked against current temple timings and local transport before publishing.
