Sarnath Light and Sound Show is a cultural program organized in the evening. Laser beams are project on the Dhamek Stupa and you get the chance to learn the story of Gautam Budhha, his visit to Sarnath and other places and the virtues of Buddhism.
The Light and Sound Show was earlier recorded by the legendary Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan but it has changed in the recent editions.
The show is available in Hindi and English languages.
The entrance is the same as the archaeological site.
Sarnath Light and Sound Show Info at a Glance
| Query | Details | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Show timings (Hindi) | 7:00 PM in Summer 6:30 PM in Winter | Show duration is 30 minutes. Entry is allowed 30 minutes prior. Show may not always run. |
| Show timings (English) | 8:00 PM in Summer 7:30 PM in Winter | Show duration is 30 minutes. Entry is allowed 30 minutes prior. Show may not always run. |
| Ticket booking | On spot only From 10 AM to 5 PM | No online booking. Purchase it from Tourist Police booth for same day. |
| Ticket pricing | ₹100 for Indians ₹150 for Foreigners | On weekends and holidays, the ticket prices are increased by ₹50 |
| Entrance | Same as archaeological excavation site | You have to enter the excavation site and then walk for ~250 meters till you reach behind Dhamek Stupa |
| Closing days | At random | Due to technical issues, the show doesn’t always run. That’s why there is no advanced, online booking. Show won’t run if there are less than 10 people. |
Let’s see the information in detail.
Sarnath Light and Sound Show Timing
In summers, the show runs from 7 until 7:30 in the evening for the Hindi version. The English version runs from 8 until 8:30 PM. Entry is allowed 30 minutes before the show timing for both versions.
In winters, the show runs from 6:30 until 7:00 in the evening for the Hindi version. The English version should run from 7:30 until 8, but at least on 17 Nov, 2024, there were no shows in English. Please double-check this information on the counter.
Sarnath Light and Sound Show Ticket Booking
Tickets for the Light and Sound CANNOT be booked online. It can only be purchased from the tourist police booth located in front of the new ticket counter, beside the museum entrance. You can only purchase the tickets for the same day’s shows.
The tourist police booth is sort of hidden behind the vending carts. You have to look closely to find it, or ask around for the light and sound show ticket.
If you approach the Sarnath area from the museum side, there is the main ticket counter for Sarnath museum on your left. But you won’t get the tickets for the light and sound show here. There is a small tourist police booth in front of the main ticket counter, behind some vending carts. You get the tickets here from 10 AM till 5 PM.
The ticket pricing is ₹100 for Indian citizens and ₹150 for Foreign nationals.
On weekends (Saturday, Sunday) and holidays, the pricing increases to ₹150 for Indian citizens and ₹200 for foreign nationals.
Keep cash ready, as you may not always pay via cards and UPI. The ticket is valid for the same day only. You cannot book the tickets for another day in advance.
Watch out for
Mosquitoes and weather conditions.
The show is organized in the open garden area, behind Dhamek Stupa. This means you have to struggle with mosquitoes. While the organizing staff lights anti-mosquito coils, it would be better to carry your own mosquito repellent cream or spray. Otherwise, you’ll spend time killing mosquitoes while listening to non-violence teachings.
Also, since you’ll be in the open area, keep a light jacket even if you are in the month of November of March. It could get chilly as the dew starts falling early. No such need in the summers.
I am not sure if they run the show when it rains in the monsoon.
I hope you find this information useful. It is correct to my knowledge while writing this post but if you encounter something different, please let me know in the comments and I’ll verify and update it.
Enjoy Sarnath 🙂
