New Delhi: The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi has banned VIP darshan from February 25 to 27, 2025, due to the anticipated surge of devotees during Mahashivratri. The temple trust took this decision considering the expected influx of sadhus, saints, and Naga sadhus. Even VIP pass holders will follow the same queue as regular devotees. Temple CEO Vishwabhushan Mishra urged everyone to cooperate with the arrangements made for devotees’ safety and convenience. To manage the crowd, visitors will only be allowed to view Lord Shiva from a distance.
The ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj has already drawn over one crore devotees to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in the first 17 days of February, breaking previous records. Streets, railway stations, and bus depots are overwhelmed, especially around Maidagin, Godowlia, and Dashashwamedh.
Schools closed, police deployed
In response, Varanasi authorities have closed schools up to Class 8 since January 27. DCP (Kashi Zone) Gaurav Bansal said police have been deployed in large numbers, with separate entry and exit points set up to prevent chaos. The famous Ganga Aarti is being symbolically performed and will continue this way until February 26, when the 45-day Mahakumbh Mela concludes.
Residents are facing challenges due to the unprecedented crowd. “It’s hard to complete daily tasks,” said Ayush Singh from Sigra. Shortages of essential items have been reported as supply trucks struggle to enter the city. Increased vehicle movement has also worsened air pollution.
Mixed reactions from locals
Swarna Mukherjee from Mahmoorganj expressed concern over school closures, noting the ineffectiveness of online classes and the strain of prolonged screen time on children. Despite the hardships, some locals view the moment positively. “The crowd was challenging initially, but the administration has managed it well,” said Sandeep Rai Monu, a regular temple visitor. Chandrakant Singh, a local businessman, highlighted the spiritual and economic benefits. “People now prefer visiting Kashi over holiday destinations like Goa and Nainital. It’s a proud moment for our culture and economy,” he said.
