Mahashivratri Celebrations in Varanasi: Naga Sadhus Procession and Security Arrangements

Image credits: अभिषेक पाठक

Mahashivratri, a significant festival in the Hindu calendar, is being celebrated with great fervor in Varanasi, with millions of devotees thronging the Kashi Vishwanath temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The festival, which falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna, is considered one of the most auspicious days to worship Lord Shiva. This year, the festival has coincided with the culmination of the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which has added to the significance of the occasion.

The city of Varanasi has been transformed into a spiritual hub, with devotees from all over the country flocking to the city to participate in the festivities. The Naga Sadhus, a sect of ascetics who are known for their spiritual prowess and martial skills, have been a major attraction, with their procession through the streets of Varanasi being a highlight of the celebrations. The procession, which was taken out under the leadership of the Mahamandaleshwar of the Akharas, was a spectacle to behold, with the Naga Sadhus, clad in their traditional attire, wielding swords, tridents, and other weapons, and smeared with ash and vermilion.

The security arrangements in the city have been tightened, with the police and paramilitary forces being deployed in large numbers to ensure the safety and security of the devotees. The Kashi zone has been divided into six zones and 18 sectors, with each sector being manned by a team of police and paramilitary personnel. The police have also made elaborate arrangements for crowd control, with barricades being erected at strategic locations to prevent overcrowding. Additionally, drone surveillance is being used to monitor the crowds and prevent any untoward incidents.

The Kashi Vishwanath temple administration has made special arrangements for the devotees, with facilities for online darshan and pooja being provided for those who are unable to visit the temple in person. The temple has also been decorated with flowers and lights, and special pooja and darshan arrangements have been made for the devotees. The devotees have been advised to follow the guidelines and instructions issued by the temple administration and the police, and to cooperate with the security personnel to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

Here are some key points to note about the Mahashivratri celebrations in Varanasi: * The Naga Sadhus procession was taken out under the leadership of the Mahamandaleshwar of the Akharas. * Tight security arrangements have been made, with the police and paramilitary forces being deployed in large numbers. * The Kashi zone has been divided into six zones and 18 sectors, with each sector being manned by a team of police and paramilitary personnel. * Special pooja and darshan arrangements have been made for the devotees, with facilities for online darshan and pooja being provided for those who are unable to visit the temple in person. * The temple has been decorated with flowers and lights, and drone surveillance is being used to monitor the crowds and prevent any untoward incidents.