Ghat

In its broadest meaning, a ghat is a
bathing (snana) place by a body of
water, such as a river, lake, or pond. The
word ghat is also commonly used to
refer to the permanent structures that
have been built at these bathing places.
They usually include a flat area at the
water’s edge, where people can walk,
stand, or sit. A set of steps leads from the
platform into and below the surface of
the water. Constructing a ghat is often
considered a pious act that generates
religious merit. This is particularly
true in pilgrimage places (tirtha),
where ghats are often centers for public
religious life.