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Ghats of Varanasi
Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the
River Ganges. The city has 87 ghats. Most of the ghats are bathing
and puja ceremony ghats, while a few are used exclusively as cre-
mation sites.
Most Varanasi ghats were built after 1700 AD, when the city was
part of Maratha Empire. The patrons of current ghats are Marathas,
Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles, and Peshwes (Peshwas).
Many ghats are associated with legends or mythologies while
many ghats are privately owned. Morning boat ride on the Ganges
across the ghats is a popular visitors attraction.
Assi Ghat is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi. Hindus believe
that it was at Assi Ghat that Tulsidas left for his heavenly abode.
Assi Ghat is one of the ghats often visited for recreation and during
festivals.
