Darbhanga Ghat

Darbhanga Ghat is a historic riverfront ghat on the eastern bank of the River Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Built in the early 20th century by the Maharaja of Darbhanga, it is known for the imposing Darbhanga Palace with Greek-style pillars overlooking the steps. Part of the continuous stretch of Varanasi ghats, it offers views of the river, daily bathing rituals, and proximity to major ghats like Dasaswamedh and Manikarnika.

Visitors can expect a wide stone-stepped ghat leading down to the Ganges, dominated by the Darbhanga Palace (Braj Raj Mahal) with its distinctive Greek-style columns. The setting is open and riverside, with views of boats, bathing areas, and the continuous line of Varanasi ghats. Visitors can walk along the ghats, observe daily rituals, take photographs of the palace and river, and take boat rides that pass the ghat.

Darbhanga Ghat was built in 1915 by Maharaja Kameshwar Singh Bahadur of Darbhanga, Bihar. The Maharaja acquired land along the Ganges and constructed the ghat and the adjacent Darbhanga Palace (also known as Braj Raj Mahal) in a style incorporating Greek pillars. It is one of the later additions to the historic ghats of Varanasi and reflects royal patronage of the early 20th century.

As part of the sacred ghats of Varanasi on the River Ganges, Darbhanga Ghat is used for ritual bathing and religious observances. It forms part of the cultural landscape of Varanasi's riverfront, visited for its heritage architecture and its role in the daily life and pilgrimage traditions associated with the Ganges.