Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is located on the banks of the Ganges river. Both city and the river itself are considered holy to Hindus. Many believers will request to have their ashes deposited at this site. Within Varanasi, there are two ghats (riverside access points) that are dedicated to cremation: Manikarnika and Harishchandra.

At night, a elaborate aarti (a ceremonial prayer service) is performed. Although many ghats hold an aarti, the Dasaswamedh Ghat is the most popular location. At sunrise, a much smaller version can be seen, using one performer instead of five.