Varanasi is abuzz with anticipation as Mahashivratri approaches tomorrow, February 26, promising a spectacular showcase of devotion led by the city’s revered Akharas. With thousands of devotees pouring in from the Maha Kumbh, the highlight of the festival—a grand procession of saints and Naga sadhus—will wind through the streets, culminating in prayers at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The city’s administration has fine-tuned preparations to ensure this centerpiece event unfolds with reverence and order.

The procession, set to begin at 5:30 pm on Wednesday from Hanuman Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, will proceed to Godaulia before the Akhara members enter the temple through Gate No. 4 for darshan. Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma confirmed today that this two-to-two-and-a-half-hour ritual will see participants exit via the Annapurnaji and Dhundhiraj Ganesh routes, capping a day of intense spiritual activity. Earlier, from 6 am to 9 am, Akharas will have exclusive temple access, with an additional 30-minute darshan at 2 pm, honoring their traditions. Separate queues at the ghats and Saraswati Phatak will keep the temple accessible to the public throughout.

With an expected turnout exceeding 10 lakh, bolstered by the Kumbh influx, Varanasi is pulling out all stops. Security has been tightened at key points like Varanasi Junction, with traffic curbs banning heavy vehicles from tonight through February 27 morning and restricting autos near Godowlia. The festivities will spill over to February 27, when the traditional “Shiv Baraat” procession—delayed due to Wednesday’s crowds—will reenact Lord Shiva’s wedding, adding a vibrant coda to the celebrations.

As Mahashivratri nears, the Akharas’ procession stands as the festival’s defining moment, blending Varanasi’s spiritual legacy with the fervor of its pilgrims. The city shines as a beacon of faith, ready to honor Shiva in grand style. With inputs from PTI. Pic Credit PTI.