Ban Ganga Ghat, Kangra

Ban Ganga Ghat (also spelled Baan Ganga Ghat) is a newly developed sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the Ban Ganga River (Baner Khad) in Kangra town, Kangra district. It serves as a serene spot for devotees to take holy dips, perform rituals, and participate in evening aarti, modeled after Haridwar’s Ganga Aarti. Closely associated with the revered Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple (one of the 51 Shakti Peethas), the ghat enhances the spiritual experience for thousands of pilgrims visiting Kangra, known as Dev Bhoomi.

Historical views of the Ban Ganga (Baner) River flowing near Kangra Fort.

Historical Significance of the Ban Ganga River

• Ancient References: Kangra (anciently Trigarta or Nagarkot) is mentioned in the Mahabharata, Puranas, and Rigveda (as part of regions drained by rivers like the Beas/Vipasa). The Ban Ganga forms a natural moat around the iconic Kangra Fort (one of India’s oldest documented forts, with references dating back to Alexander’s invasion era ~326 BCE and confirmed attacks in 1009 CE by Mahmud of Ghazni). The fort stands at the confluence of Ban Ganga and Majhi Khad (also called Patal Ganga), providing strategic defense on three sides.
• Role in Katoch Dynasty: The Katoch rulers (claimed as the world’s oldest surviving royal dynasty) used the river’s terrain for fortification. The river’s banks witnessed battles, sieges (e.g., Mughal conquest in 1620), and cultural development.
• No Direct Major Mythological Legend: Unlike the famous Ban Ganga in Vaishno Devi (Jammu, created by Mata’s arrow) or Banganga Tank (Mumbai, by Lord Rama’s arrow), Kangra’s Ban Ganga lacks a prominent pan-Indian myth. Local lore sometimes links nearby sites (e.g., a 16th-century Baan Ganga Mandir dedicated to Durga, built per a sage’s vision) to the river’s purifying waters, but these are regional.
• Archaeological Ties: Stone Age tools have been found along its banks (e.g., in Rahaur village), indicating prehistoric human activity. The river supported ancient settlements in the fertile Kangra Valley.

Recent Development and Inauguration

• Inaugurated on December 2-3, 2025 by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also performed the first evening aarti amid Vedic chants.
• Features: Grand aarti platform, 25-foot trident installation, changing rooms, toilets, landscaped park, attractive stage, enhanced lighting, and safe bathing areas.
• Daily evening aarti, yoga sessions, religious, and cultural programs are organized.

Location and Accessibility

• Situated along the Ban Ganga River in Kangra town, near Bajreshwari Devi Temple and Kangra Fort.
• Nearest airport: Gaggal (Kangra) Airport (~10-15 km).
• Nearest railway: Kangra Mandir station (~3-5 km).
• By road: Easily accessible via NH503; close to Kangra bus stand.
• Best time: Year-round, especially evenings for aarti.