Yamuna Aarti at Keshi Ghat: Timings & What to Expect

What is the Yamuna Aarti?

Each evening at sunset, priests at Keshi Ghat perform the Yamuna Aarti — a centuries-old ritual of large brass lamps, conch shells, and the ancient Yami-Krishna stotram chanted to the river goddess Yamuna Devi. The aarti is not a tourist performance; it is a daily act of devotion that has been conducted here for over 400 years.

Timings (they shift with the seasons)

The Yamuna Aarti happens at sunset, which means the exact time changes through the year. Our concierge confirms each morning's exact time, but as a general guide:

• Winter (Nov – Feb): 5:15 PM – 5:45 PM
• Spring (Mar – Apr): 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Summer (May – Jun): 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Monsoon (Jul – Sep): 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Arrive 30 minutes early to find a good spot.

Where to watch

There are three vantage points:

• **The ghat steps** — free, but crowded. You will be standing. Best for the close-up view of the lamps.
• **A boat on the Yamuna** — the most atmospheric option. RK Residency arranges private rowboats for our guests, which position you on the water with an unobstructed view. The boat also lets you float your own diya offering.
• **The RK Residency rooftop** — for guests who cannot walk to the ghat. We pipe the aarti audio to the rooftop during the season.

What to expect

The aarti itself lasts about 25 minutes. The priests begin with a conch-shell invocation, then perform the aarti with seven large brass lamps. The crowd sings along with the Yami-Krishna stotram — most locals know it by heart. At the end, pilgrims float small leaf-boats (dona) with marigold petals and a lit diya onto the river as an offering.

The diya offering

Floating a diya on the Yamuna is one of the most moving small rituals of a Braj yatra. RK Residency provides the leaf-boat, marigold and diya free of charge to any guest who asks at the front desk. The boatmen at Keshi Ghat also sell them for ₹50.

What to wear

The ghat can be breezy after sunset, especially in winter. Carry a shawl or light jacket. Footwear is allowed on the ghat (unlike inside temples), but you may want to remove your shoes if you plan to step down to the water's edge.