Overview Yamuna Aarti

The Yamuna Aarti is a spiritual practice that involves devotees who perform this sacred ritual on the banks of the river Yamuna in Mathura and Vrindavan, where devotees light lamps, chant and pray to Maa Yamuna as a goddess of salvation and purity. Yamuna Aarti is performed mostly at the time of sunrise in the morning or sunset in the evening. The Yamuna Aarti creates an atmosphere of devotion that elevates the spiritual practices of devotees with Vedic mantras, the blowing of conch shells and collected devotion.

The Yamuna is a highly regarded spiritual river within Hinduism and at the time of Krishna it deep meaning especially in relation to the pastimes of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan as a child. The Yamuna is the living river of Krishna because it has hosted many leela's such as the Kaliya Naag Leela and Krishna's heavenly Jal Leela with Radha and the gopis.

In participating in the Yamuna Aarti you will be connect with the centuries of Bhakti tradition that flourish along the banks of the Yamuna and you will feel a deep sense of peace from your experience.

See All Google Reviews → Click Here

Best Yamuna Aarti Ghats to Visit in Mathura and Vrindavan

When you join the divine Yamuna Aarti, depending on which ghat you choose to join at, it may enhance your spirituality. Here are the top Yamuna Aarti ghats that have beauty, peacefulness, and providing powerful devotional energy. 

1. Vishram Ghat, Mathura

1. Vishram Ghat is without a doubt the most famous and the most significant spiritual ghat in Mathura.
2. According to local legends, it is believed Lord Krishna rested at this very place to rest after defeating the celestial demon, Kansa.
3. The evening Yamuna Aarti at Vishram Ghat is an elaborate experience that showcases some of the essence of the holy did, chants, diyas floating on the river, and hundreds of people providing amazing energy to the experience.
4. Another form of proximity to Dwarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat typically attracts pilgrims so it is important to arrive a few moments before the Aarti begins as to find a good place to sit.

2. Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan

1. One of the recognizable ghats in Vrindavan and rich flawed history and temples near the ghat is Keshi Ghat.
2. The ghat is named after a demon named Keshi who was reportedly killed by Lord Krishna here.
3. The Aarti at Keshi Ghat is less ornate than at Vishram Ghat and still worthwhile for cleanliness, and being more quiet perhaps, with less visitors; creating a serene experience.
4. The sunset view of the Yamuna is breathtaking when at Keshi Ghat.

3. Yamuna Ghat, Gokul

1. This ghat is in Gokul, a lovely town and is definitely less populous and more spiritual.
2. Gokul is where Krishna spent his early childhood, making this location significant for devotees.
3. The Yamuna Aarti here is much more intimate with less tourists and more local devotion.
4. Perfect for those who want a true village style devotion with peaceful surroundings.

Yamuna Aarti Schedule in Mathura and Vrindavan

The divine Yamuna Aarti happens twice per day, once at sunrise and once at sunset, in various ghats in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Gokul. Each ghat varies as to how it schedules and holds the Aarti. Knowing the timings by ghat will definitely help you plan your visitation.

1. Vishram Ghat, Mathura

1. Morning Aarti: approximately 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM
2. Evening Aarti: approximately 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

One of the most complicated Aartis, particularly around festival days. Arrive early to ofer the best chance to see.

2. Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan

1. Morning Aarti: approximately 5:15 AM – 5:45 AM
2. Evening Aarti: approximately 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM

Aarti is much more subdued here, as there seem to be fewer people resulting in more meditative participation.

3. Yamuna Ghat, Gokul

1. Morning Aarti: approximately 5:45 AM – 6:15 AM
2. Evening Aarti: approximately 6:45 PM – 7:15 PM

This Aarti is more community style and local. Lots and lots of villages love this Aarti too.

4. Festival Special Aarti timings

Kartik Maas (October–November):

1. Evening Aartis every day at about 6:00 PM with deep daan often afterwards.

Janmashtami

1. Multiple Aartis throughout the day and night with major events at midnight.

Holi & Diwali

1. Evening Aartis become larger in size, with more devotional singing, larger crowds, and longer Aarti routine.

Summary Table: Yamuna Aarti Timings by Ghat

Best Time to Attend Yamuna Aarti

October-March – Good Weather

October - March is great for Aarti because the weather is good and the ghats are quieter.

Kartik Purnima – Holiest Time

Outside of main festivals, this is the holiest time to worship the river. For Kartik Purnima, thousands of diyas light up the Yamuna, especially at Keshi Ghat and Vishram Ghat. The evening Aartis are truly magical during this time.

Janmashtami – Spiritual Energy

Beautiful midnight Aartis and the energy of devotion. Just like other places in India, Vrindavan and Mathura come alive with the holiday spirit in celebration of Lord Krishna's birth - there is celebration, but so much devotion everywhere.

Holi – Aarti with Color and Fun

Holi brings so much spirit, color, flower petals, and bhajans to the ghats. The evening Aartis during Holi are Aarti, devotion, and celebration.

Conclusion

Attending the Yamuna Aarti in Mathura or Vrindavan it is not just a ritual of spiritual significance, it is a connection to the divine energy of Maa Yamuna and Lord Krishna deep within. Whether engaging in the silent Aarti in the early morning at sunrise, or the dramatic Aarti experience at sunset, the mahant thought process will leave an impression upon your mind and heart.

Each ghat on the Yamuna from Vishram Ghat, to indigenous Keshi Ghat and even Gokul's Yamuna banks, each have their own ambience. You can even experience the river's energies more profoundly during Kartik Purnima, JanMashtami, or during Holi festival festivities to Yoga.

I would highly recommend you to take an organized guided tour to sustainably experience your custom stage of your Yamuna Aarti adventure with us at Vrindavan Mathura Tourism. We create custom packages for you including VIP darshan, boat rides, or even festival tours of your pilgrimage.

📞 For tour booking & inquiries: +91 7078723132 | +91 9557104160

📲 WhatsApp Us: +91 7078723132 | +91 9557104160

🌐 Visit Our Website: Vrindavan Mathura Tourism

🔗 Explore All Our Tour Packages

🔗 Read Our Blogs for Travel Inspiration

See All Google Reviews → Click Here

FAQ’s About Yamuna Aarti

Q1. Is Yamuna Aarti worth it?

Yes, various ghats and temples provide Aarti experiences free of charge to visitors and devotees. Certain temples and ghats may ask for donations or even charge a small amount to support the supervision and maintenance of the site, and their priests who conduct the Aarti. If you would like to spend part of the time participating with a diya, or you would just prefer to donate a diya or lamp, some small fee for the materials may apply.

Q2. When is the Yamuna Aarti?

The approximate times for Aarti each day is:

1. Morning Aarti: Generally anytime after 5:15 AM to before 6:15 AM (it depends on the ghat).
2. Evening Aarti: Generally anytime after 6:15 PM - a little before 7:15 PM.
3. Occasionally, there are longer special Aarti times around festivals such as Kartik Purnima, Janmashtami, Holi, etc which may also also include more elaborate Aarti.
4. Always check in advance for the exact Aarti times or book a guided tour.

Q3. I am concerned that it is too unsafe to attend the Yamuna Aarti at night?

No, in general, with crowds of many people around both at popular ghats in the evening Aarti (Vishram Ghat, Keshi Ghat; etc) the environmental aspect taken seriously, is not an issue. We do recommend to go in a group or rent a guided service from a reputable local travel company, like Vrindavan Mathura Tourism, in order to provide a paced, ambient guided experience.

Q4. Is it permissible for women to participate in perform the Yamuna Aarti?

Yes, women were more than welcome to participate in the Aarti, offer lamps (diyas), and chant with others. That said, only a trained temple priest remains to perform the main Aarti under the stage of the ghat.

Q5. Can I perform Aarti myself?

You can Aarti by lighting a diya (lamp) and then offering it to the Yamuna as an individual devotee. You cannot conduct the Aarti that the priest leads, but individual offerings are always permitted, and they will be memorable and spiritual.

Q6. Are boat rides offered with Aarti?

Yes! Boat rides during evening Aarti are a major attraction, particularly at Vishram Ghat. You'll be experiencing the Aarti from out in the river, so to speak. This is a truly peaceful and scenic experience. Charges vary between ₹50 to ₹200 depending upon the boat.

Q7. When is the best time of year for Yamuna Aarti?

October to March is the best time based on comfortable weather. Kartik Maas (especially Kartik Purnima) and Janmashtami have the most enhanced Aarti experiences

Q8. How do I book a Yamuna Aarti tour package?

You can easily book your own customized Yamuna Aarti tour packages with Vrindavan Mathura Tourism including:

1. Hotel pickup & drop
2. VIP access to Aarti with guided instruction
3. Arrangement of evening boat ride
4. Festival special tours (Holi, Janmashtami, Kartik Maas)