Lucknow, 30

Oct (HS): Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a high-level meeting on Thursday,

reviewed in detail the preparations for Dev Deepawali 2025, to be held in

Varanasi on November 5. He said that Dev Deepawali is a unique confluence of

Kashi's eternal tradition, Ganga worship, and folk faith. This festival is a

living symbol of India's eternal tradition, where the lamp is not just a light,

but a symbol of religion, duty, and nationalism. The Chief Minister said that

Kashi's Dev Deepawali should be organized in such a way that it becomes a

global message of India's cultural soul and spiritual consciousness.

The Chief

Minister directed that all preparations for the Ganga Mahotsav (November 1 to

4) organized before Dev Deepawali nd the main event Dev Deepawali (November 5) should

be timely, systematic and of high quality. The preparations for lighting the

ghats, lighting lamps, cultural programs and public participation should be

such that a balance of devotion, discipline and beauty is displayed. He said

that the scene of lighting lamps on the banks of the Ganga should become an

example of devotion and discipline. For this, crowd control, security,

cleanliness and traffic management should be given top priority at the ghats.

All departments should work in coordination so that there is no chaos or

obstruction.

The Chief

Minister specifically directed the Tourism, Municipal Corporation, Police,

Water Police, Culture, Irrigation, PWD, Electricity and Health departments to

ensure necessary preparations as per their responsibilities. He said that on

the occasion of Dev Deepawali, proper arrangements should be made for smart

lighting, attractive floral decoration, theme-based installations and drone and

CCTV monitoring at the ghats. He also directed that special attention should be

paid to the cleanliness and decoration of the ghats, streets and main roads and

that adequate sanitation workers should be deployed at each ghat.

The Chief

Minister said that the control room should be operational 24x7, and CCTV feeds

should be continuously monitored from the command center. Adequate toilets,

drinking water, medical assistance, and first aid stations should be

established for the convenience of pilgrims. Emergency boats and ambulance

services should be available near the ghats. To ensure the safety of boat

passengers, they should be provided with life jackets, registration tags, and

information about the designated route.

The Chief

Minister also reviewed preparations for the Deepotsav celebrations at all major

ghats, including Namo Ghat, Raj Ghat, Rajendra Prasad Ghat, and Dashashwamedh

Ghat, and directed that lamp decorations, tourist facilities, and security

measures be maintained at a high level. He said that the boatman community is

an integral part of Kashi's tradition; their enthusiasm and contribution

further enhance the dignity of Dev Deepawali. The administration should ensure

they receive adequate support and that devotees receive safe boat services.

The meeting

was informed that plans are underway to organize a laser show three times

daily, including a 25-minute projection, at Chet Singh Ghat. Similarly, a sand

art installation will be installed between Kashi Vishwanath Ghat and Chet Singh

Ghat. A 10-minute green firecracker show will be held in front of the Kashi

Vishwanath Dham Ghat, along with green fireworks, a laser show, and a musical

performance.

The Chief

Minister said that the celebration of Dev Deepawali should embody the spirit of

'Clean Kashi, Green Kashi, Divine Kashi'. From the ghats to the streets,

cleanliness, accessibility, and lighting should be maintained. He directed

special attention to traffic management, parking, barricading, shuttle

services, power supply, and medical services so that there is no traffic jam or

chaos in any area. He said that the active participation of local artists,

schools, voluntary organizations, women's groups, and religious leaders should

be ensured in the cultural programs organized on the banks of the Ganga. This

event should become a symbol of public cooperation, social harmony, and

national pride. The Chief Minister said that this festival in Kashi is not

merely religious, but a celebration of faith, discipline, and self-confidence.

Devotees and tourists visiting Kashi should experience the Indian tradition of

Atithi Devo Bhava by observing its sanctity, order, and discipline.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi