The city till 2022 had 84 functional ghats. Most of the ghats are used for bathing or performing religious rituals (puja), out of all these ghats 2 ghats Manikarnika and Harishchandra are used as Hindu Cremation Sites. Most of the ghats in Varanasi were rebuilt in the 18th century under the Maratha Patronage (Scindias, Holkars, Bhonseles, Peshwas) and Maharajas of Banaras.
This ghat is in true sense a mix of modernity and tradition. Phase 1 has already generated a lot of excitement among the locals, no wonder it’s one of the most popular hot spots in Varanasi now. It is known as Namo ghat because of three large sculptures in the form of hands folded in namaste installed there (hence the name).
The ghat has spacious promenade divided in 3 levels. As of now it has an operational food court (serving chaat, street food (South Indian cuisine, Pav Bhaji, Pizza, Sandwiches, shakes, cold drinks etc.)) toilets (can’t say much about them as we had not used them in our visit, facility of RO water, car and 2 wheeler parking (gets filled very fast), souvenir shop. There are benches and gazebos which reflect the traditional architecture of Kashi.
Once completed the ghat would have an Open Air Amphitheatre with a capacity of 1000 people, water sports area, children park, meditation park, open air restaurants and green areas with benches and gazebos and Visarjan Kund (immersion pond for religious rites). It would also have fully functional areas for boat rides and cruises.