निषाद घाट

Not all heroes carry swords. Some carry oars. Nishad Ghat honours one such figure — the humble boatman from the Ramayana, who helped Lord Rama cross the river during his exile. In the great epic, when Rama approached the Ganga, it was Nishadraj Guha, king of the Nishads — a forest-dwelling and river-faring tribe — who offered not just his boat, but his loyalty, his heart, and his tears. He washed Rama’s feet with reverence, fearing that even the planks of his boat were unworthy of touching the divine.

This ghat continues to be the settlement of the Nishad community, people who have traditionally relied on the Ganga for their livelihoods. After the priests, they form the chunk of Gangaputras. Traditionally, they were boatmen but now are into all trades that emanate at these ghats.

The ghat is also home to a Nishad Raj temple, built by families from the community, highlighting their devotion and connection to their cultural hero. To this day, boatmen gather here. Some know the legend. Others live it without words — ferrying pilgrims with care, knowing that devotion isn’t always in temples, but in daily acts done with love.