Seeking divinity and solace at the river ghats of North India

A river bank or ghat is a place that offers you the right vibes to contemplate, brood, think and plan ahead. Since ages, these river ghats have been providing solace to whoever has sought their refuge.

Har-ki-Paudi and Birla Ghat are the famous ghats in Haridwar, frequented by both tourists as well as locals. While the former ghat is more public and open yet has a private changing area for women, the latter one offers more space.

The ghat at Radha Bagh is a must-visit because it is believed to be the place where Radha and the gopis of Vrindavan performed penance to please Goddess Katyayani, whose shrine is located right next to the river bank even today. Another prominent ghat is Keshi Ghat, named after a demon who was killed by Lord Krishna in his boyhood.

Bithoor is a town located near Kanpur city in Uttar Pradesh. The Brahmavart Ghat is the holiest of ghats, and is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma installed a shivalinga that came to be known as Brahmeshwar Mahadev. A horseshoe nail embedded in the steps of the ghat is revered by the devotees as it is believed to be left behind by Lord Brahma’s horse.

There are more than 80 ghats in Varanasi, but the popular ones are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Tulsi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, which also has a cremation ground.

The Phalgu or Falgu is a sacred river that flows through Gaya in Bihar. It is a river held in high regard among both the Hindus and Buddhists. Lord Vishnu's Vishnupad Mandir is located on the bank of Phalgu river. It is here that people from different walks of life and parts of the country come to offer oblations to their deceased ancestors.