Varanasi Prepares for Spectacular Mahashivratri Festivities
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Synopsis
As <b>Mahashivratri</b> nears, Kashi is bustling with preparations at the <b>Kashi Vishwanath Temple</b>. The administration is ensuring a smooth experience for thousands of devotees coinciding with the <b>Maha Kumbh</b> reverse flow.
Key Takeaways
- Akharas to have dedicated darshan time this year.
- Enhanced security measures for crowd management.
- Medical facilities set up for visitor care.
- Traffic directed to outskirts for smooth flow.
- Temple open until 10:00 PM for blessings.
Prayagraj, Feb 25 (NationPress) As the Mahashivratri festival draws near, Kashi is filled with reverence and anticipation, with preparations underway at the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The local administration has carefully organized everything to ensure a seamless and spiritual journey for the thousands of devotees expected to visit the temple during this sacred occasion, which aligns with the reverse flow of attendees from the Maha Kumbh.
This year, in a special initiative, the Akharas will also have a dedicated time for darshan at the temple, with the temple management creating special pathways for their convenience.
Given the anticipated large crowds, security and logistical protocols have been enhanced to guarantee a secure and convenient experience for all.
The temple will open all four gates to allow easier access for devotees, implementing strict measures from February 25 to 27.
A notable addition to this year's Mahashivratri is the provision of a designated darshan area for the Akharas, enabling devotees to observe the procession in an organized manner with two separate queues.
Following the early morning Mangala Aarti, the temple will remain open until 10:00 PM, giving ample opportunity for devotees to receive blessings.
To accommodate the expected influx of visitors, the administration has established medical facilities at strategic locations, including the availability of ORS to mitigate dehydration among the crowd.
Traffic management is critical, with vehicle owners directed to park on the outskirts of Banaras.
Drones and CCTV cameras will oversee visitor flow, and additional security personnel have been assigned to manage the crowd effectively. The Kashi area has been organized into six zones and 18 sectors to facilitate operations and ensure safety.
In a conversation with IANS, Kaushal Raj Sharma, the Commissioner, stated, “We’ve meticulously worked out the schedule. The Akharas, after their long journey, will commence their procession at 5:15 AM from Hanuman Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat.
They will proceed to the temple, where arrangements for darshan have been thoroughly planned, guaranteeing smooth entry and exit. Devotees can view the Akharas’ darshan from gate number four, with the temple filled with energy until late evening. We’ve also arranged for two separate lines for the public, enabling uninterrupted darshan.”
He further added, “For the Shiv Baraat on the evening of February 26, we’ve organized a grand procession, prioritizing public convenience and ensuring that local residents of Kashi also enjoy a seamless experience.”
S Channappa, Additional Commissioner, highlighted the vast scale of preparations, stating, “We’ve anticipated the massive influx of devotees due to the Maha Kumbh. Three paramilitary units, along with a significant police presence, will be deployed. Volunteers and NCC cadets will be available to assist devotees, and monitoring will continue via drones and CCTV. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of safety and convenience for all who visit during this sacred period.”
With such extensive planning, Kashi is fully prepared to welcome a multitude of devotees, making this year’s Mahashivratri an unforgettable and spiritually rewarding experience.
