Goa to get a Varanasi-style aarti deck and Shiva Idol on the Mandovi river — all you need to know

Goa’s Mandovi River is getting a divine makeover with a Varanasi-style ghat, evening aarti deck, and a grand Shiva idol — blending spirituality with scenic beauty. (Representative Image)

Goa is ready to add a spiritual twist to its beach-town charm. Moving beyond its party paradise image, the state is set to introduce a Varanasi-style Ghat Aarti experience along the serene Mandovi River at Narve. The ambitious project, led by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), recently received Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, marking a major step toward creating a riverside space where spirituality meets scenic beauty.

A Spiritual Makeover by the Mandovi

The project aims to develop the banks of the Mandovi River at Narve in Bicholim taluka into a grand ‘Ghat Aarti’ space, inspired by the famous Ganga Aarti of Varanasi. Once completed, devotees and tourists will be able to experience a traditional evening aarti amid flickering diyas, chants, and river reflections — but with a Goan backdrop.

Inside the Project

The CRZ clearance was granted during a recent meeting of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), which stipulated that all facilities must remain temporary and set away from the mangrove buffer zone to protect the area’s fragile ecosystem.

The GTDC has appointed Darashaw & Company as the project’s architect and consultant, with completion expected within 10 to 12 months. The project cost is pegged at Rs 10.5 crore and includes several key attractions:

• A dedicated aarti deck along the river.
• A massive statue of Lord Shiva.
• A puja mandapam and visitor seating area.
• A ticket counter and cafeteria.
• Proposed floating jetty and small boats for river access.

Narve, already known for the Saptakoteshwar Temple, one of Goa’s most revered Lord Shiva shrines, has seen growing interest among devotees following its recent renovation. The temple is part of the Ekadasha Teertha Yatra, a pilgrimage circuit being promoted by Goa Tourism to highlight the state’s sacred heritage.

The upcoming Narve Aarti Deck is expected to give a major boost to spiritual tourism, attract domestic and international visitors, and support local artisans, handicraft markets, and food vendors — creating a holistic tourism experience that merges faith, culture, and community.

Goa’s New Face of Tourism

With the Varanasi-style Aarti Deck, Goa is stepping into a new era of tourism — one that celebrates its spiritual roots as much as its coastal beauty. Once completed, Narve’s riverfront is expected to become a must-visit destination for pilgrims and travellers seeking peace, devotion, and the unmistakable magic of Goa’s riverside charm.