Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday reviewed preparations for the Ganga Mahotsav, scheduled from November 20 to 23, and Dev Deepawali celebrations on November 24 in Varanasi, directing officials to ensure adequate arrangements for the safety and convenience of devotees and tourists.
Chairing a high-level meeting at his official residence here, Adityanath said Dev Deepawali reflected Kashi’s cultural heritage and identity, and asked officials to address shortcomings in previous arrangements.
Officials informed him that the four-day Ganga Mahotsav would be organised at Namo Ghat, with cultural programmes every evening. The chief minister directed them to give priority to local artists.
More than 11 lakh earthen lamps will be lit at permanent ghats, the sandy banks of the Ganga and over 100 ponds across the city. Lamps prepared by women’s self-help groups will also be part of the celebrations.
The ghat areas and riverbanks have been divided into sectors, with nodal officers appointed to oversee the arrangements, officials said.
Adityanath directed officials to extend the festive atmosphere beyond the ghats, with special lighting arrangements in rural areas, Sarnath, Markandey Mahadev Temple, Shooltankeshwar Temple and prominent ponds.
As Guru Nanak Jayanti also falls on November 24, he directed officials to ensure timely arrangements for langars, kirtans and gatherings at gurdwaras.
He also asked officials to interact with boatmen and provide them training to ensure safe and orderly operations during the festivities.
As per the programme, lamps will be lit at all ghats on November 24, followed by the Maha Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. A projection and laser show will be organised at Chet Singh Ghat, while drone shows will be held near Dashashwamedh and Assi ghats. A green fireworks display is also planned near the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Ghat.
The chief minister ordered a special cleanliness drive across Varanasi from November 20 to 25 and directed officials to clean the ghats immediately after the lamp-lighting ceremony to ensure that devotees taking a holy dip the following morning faced no inconvenience.
He also asked officials to coordinate with taxi operators, hoteliers and restaurant owners to ensure that visitors were charged reasonable prices.
Describing Dev Deepawali as a reflection of Kashi’s faith, hospitality and administrative preparedness, Adityanath said local residents should be involved in the celebrations to the maximum extent.
Ensuring a pleasant and memorable experience for visitors from India and abroad was a collective responsibility, he said.
-PTI
