How do I arrange cremation at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi?

Call Anthyesti at +91-9883318181. Anthyesti coordinates body transport to Varanasi, receiving arrangements, hearse van service, pandit, wood pyre, sacred fire rituals, ash collection, and complete cremation support at Manikarnika Ghat.

What is the difference between Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat?

Manikarnika Ghat is Varanasi's primary and most sacred cremation ghat where traditional wood pyre cremation is performed. Harishchandra Ghat offers both wood pyre and electric cremation facilities and is generally less crowded.

Can I transport a dead body to Varanasi from Delhi, Mumbai, or another city?

Yes. Anthyesti arranges dead body transport to Varanasi from cities across India by road, train, and air, including documentation, embalming coordination, and receiving arrangements in Varanasi.

What is Pind Daan and why is Varanasi (Kashi) important for it?

Pind Daan is a Hindu ritual performed for departed ancestors. Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is considered one of the most sacred locations for Pind Daan and ancestral rituals.

What is Pitru Paksha and when is it in 2026?

Pitru Paksha in 2026 runs from September 27 to October 11 and is regarded as the most auspicious period for Shradh, Pind Daan, Asthi Visarjan, and ancestral rituals.

Can I perform Asthi Visarjan in Varanasi after cremation in another city?

Yes. Families can bring ashes from any city to Varanasi for Asthi Visarjan. Anthyesti coordinates the rituals, pandit services, and arrangements at various ghats along the Ganga.

Can NRI families get Pind Daan or Asthi Visarjan done in Varanasi without travelling to India?

Yes. Anthyesti offers arrangements for NRI families, including online participation through live video calls during Pind Daan and Asthi Visarjan ceremonies conducted in Varanasi.

Can I bring ashes from abroad to Varanasi for Asthi Visarjan?

Yes. Cremated remains can generally be brought to India with the appropriate death and cremation documentation. Anthyesti assists with Asthi Visarjan arrangements upon arrival in Varanasi.

How long does the cremation process take at Manikarnika Ghat?

The cremation process at Manikarnika Ghat generally takes several hours, including ritual preparation, cremation procedures, and ash collection. Waiting times may vary depending on crowd levels.

What does Anthyesti charge for cremation at Manikarnika Ghat?

The cost of cremation arrangements at Manikarnika Ghat depends on the selected services, wood requirements, ritual arrangements, and coordination needs. Anthyesti provides a detailed quotation before services begin.

Need Immediate Help? Call +91-98833-18181 — Available 24/7 · No Waiting

Funeral & Cremation Services in Varanasi (Kashi)

Name: Anthyesti Funeral Services Varanasi
Address: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, IN
Telephone: +91-9883318181

Manikarnika Ghat · Harishchandra Ghat · Pind Daan · Asthi Visarjan · Dead Body Transport

Anthyesti arranges cremation at Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat in Varanasi — for families travelling from any Indian city or from abroad. We also provide Pind Daan, Asthi Visarjan, Anna Shradh, and all post-death rituals at Kashi’s sacred ghats. Dead body transport to Varanasi from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and all cities arranged.

3,000 yrs

Kashi's Eternal Flame

2 Ghats

Manikarnika & Harishchandra

24/7

Ghat Services

All Cities

Transport to Varanasi

NRI

Remote Services Available

“Kashi is not merely a city — it is the place where the cycle of life and death finds its end. According to Hindu scripture, Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ears of those who depart here, granting liberation from rebirth. Cremation at Manikarnika Ghat is moksha.”

Why Families Come to Varanasi

Varanasi — The Sacred City for Hindu Last Rites

Varanasi — also called Kashi, Banaras, and the City of Light — is unlike any other destination for funeral services. People do not simply come here because they live here. Families travel from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and from countries across the world — specifically to perform the final rites of a loved one at this sacred city.

There are three main reasons families come to Varanasi for rituals: (1) Cremation at Manikarnika or Harishchandra Ghat — for families who wish their loved one to attain moksha through cremation at the most sacred burning ghat in the world. (2) Asthi Visarjan — immersion of the ashes in the Ganga after cremation elsewhere. (3) Pind Daan and Shradh — ancestral rituals performed for the peace of departed souls, either immediately after death or during Pitru Paksha.

Anthyesti handles all three — including the logistics of transporting the body to Varanasi from any Indian city and coordinating the ghat slot, pandit, and all rituals on arrival. For NRI families who cannot travel to India, we also offer online Pind Daan and Asthi Visarjan services with live video.

Who This Service Is For

Families transporting a body to Varanasi from another city for cremation at Manikarnika or Harishchandra Ghat — road, train from any railway junction, or air from LBS Airport (VNS).
Families coming to Varanasi for Asthi Visarjan — immersion of ashes after cremation was performed elsewhere. Pandit, ghat coordination, and urn provided.
Families performing Pind Daan or Shradh — in Varanasi for the first time or during Pitru Paksha, who need a reliable pandit and complete ritual coordination without the stress of navigating the ghats independently.
NRI families — who cannot travel to India but need Pind Daan, Asthi Visarjan, or Shradh performed at Varanasi on their behalf with live video.

The Two Sacred Cremation Ghats

Manikarnika Ghat & Harishchandra Ghat — Anthyesti Arranges Cremation at Both

Anthyesti provides every service a Delhi family needs — from the moment of death to the final rites and beyond. No third-party coordination. No additional calls.

Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi the eternal city

Manikarnika Ghat — Mahashmashan

Manikarnika Ghat is known as the Mahashmashan — the Great Cremation Ground. The sacred fire here has reportedly been burning for over 3,000 years, never extinguished. It is the most spiritually significant cremation site in Hinduism. According to belief, Lord Shiva whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ears of those cremated here — granting moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Thousands of cremations happen here every year, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Bodies arrive from across India and from abroad specifically to be cremated here.

Harishchandra Ghat — Oldest Ghat

Harishchandra Ghat is named after the legendary king Harishchandra, known for his ultimate truthfulness and sacrifice. It is one of Varanasi's oldest ghats and the second cremation ghat on the Ganga. Slightly less crowded than Manikarnika, it is the recommended choice when faster arrangements are needed — typically shorter wait times. Both traditional wood pyre cremation and electric cremation are available at Harishchandra Ghat, unlike Manikarnika which has wood pyre only.