Why Are Varanasi's Ganga Ghats Silent? Rising Heatwave Keeps Devotees Away
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Tourists usually crowd the ghat, but due to the intense heat, most return to their hotels by 11 am, choosing to wait indoors until the weather cools in the evening
As the heatwave intensifies across North India, temperatures have surged to 44 degrees Celsius, disrupting daily life. In Varanasi, the scorching conditions have emptied the usually vibrant Assi Ghat, where only a handful of locals and tourists seek shade under trees. The banks of the Ganga lie quiet, with boats anchored and idle under the relentless sun.
Under normal circumstances, tourists flock to this ghat, but the intense heat drives them back to their hotels by 11 am, leaving them to wait for the cooler evening. Several tourists from Delhi have expressed their disappointment, noting that the heat has disrupted their plans, forcing them to stay indoors and resort to cold water and ice to cope.
Kashi residents are struggling with the sweltering sun and oppressive heatwave. The ghats are turning into heat islands, and the hot winds are disturbing sleep at night, causing restless nights. However, the Meteorological Department has provided some hope. They predict a weather change across Purvanchal, including Varanasi, after June 13. The monsoon is expected to become active, potentially ending the 15-day heatwave.
Declining Ganga Water Levels Expose Sandbanks
The water level of the Ganga in Varanasi is steadily declining. In 2024, the drop in water level was recorded at 38 cm; in 2025, it has risen to 40 cm. This two-centimetre increase has led to the formation of sand dunes at several points in the river's midstream. River scientists warn that without timely intervention, the lives of 45 crore people dependent on the Ganga basin could be at serious risk.
Three months after the Kumbh Mela, Varanasi witnessed a massive influx of pilgrims last Sunday, with nearly 2.5 lakh devotees thronging the city. From the ghats to the narrow lanes, crowds filled every corner, and the temple corridors overflowed with worshippers.
First Published:
June 13, 2025, 12:19 IST
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