Prayagraj/ Varanasi: The reverse flow effect of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh is continuously being observed in Varanasi. Following Mouni Amavasya and Magh Purnima, the influx of devotees from the confluence city to Varanasi has been ongoing. Considering the increasing crowd, the symbolic performance of the Ganga Aarti, which was initiated on February 11, has now been extended until February 26. As per administrative directives, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi will continue to be conducted symbolically.
Daily Ganga Aarti is performed at various ghats in Varanasi, attracting devotees from across the country and abroad. During the Mahakumbh, the evening Ganga Aarti becomes a major spectacle, drawing massive crowds to the ghats. Speaking to the media, Sushant Mishra, one of the organizers of the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, stated that the number of devotees arriving has been consistently rising due to the reverse flow effect of the Mahakumbh.
Since February 11, a symbolic Ganga Aarti has been conducted, where a single priest performs rituals and only a limited number of devotees are allowed to participate. To prevent overcrowding, the organizers had urged people to join the Aarti through online platforms. However, within just two days, large gatherings were observed at the ghats, prompting the administration to extend the symbolic Aarti format until February 26.
The primary objective of this decision is to ensure the safety of devotees and maintain social distancing. From February 16 to February 26, the Ganga Aarti at Varanasi’s ghats will continue to be held in a symbolic manner.
