Ganga aarti at the ghats were suspended until Feb 26. Traffic restrictions and diversions were strictly enforced to manage the swelling crowd. The influx of pilgrims has led to record-breaking numbers at Kashi Vishwanath temple, which saw more than 8 lakh devotees Thursday alone. Devotees traveling between Prayagraj, Ayodhya and Varanasi – completing the holy triangle – added to the pressure. The restriction on boat operations in Ganga after 6pm will remain in place, said DCP Gaurav Banswal, adding that the choreographed daily evening aartis will be postponed. The chief minister adjusted his schedule, forgoing his planned visit to Kaal Bhairav temple and instead reaching Kashi Vishwanath temple. He did not take the jam-packed roads – instead chose the Ganga, boarding a cruise to make his way to the shrine. From there, he returned to Namo Ghat by cruise to inaugurate the Kashi Tamil Sangamam event.
