Varanasi, 4 November (). There is a festive atmosphere in Varanasi these days. With the conclusion of Ganga Mahotsav, preparations for Dev Diwali are in full swing. Uttar Pradesh Minister Ravindra Jaiswal said that preparations for Dev Diwali have been completed.
While talking to , he said that Dev has taken stock of the preparations for Diwali. As per need, lamps, oil and wicks are being distributed by the government to the committees lighting lamps at the ghats.
He said that in view of safety and traffic, small boats will be run in an area of 25 meters parallel to the river Ganga, while big boats will run beyond it.
He said that bathing in Ganga on Kartik Purnima, the day of Dev Diwali, has special significance. Lakhs of devotees flock to the ghats since early morning. For crowd management, the administration has decided to stop traffic and make parking arrangements about 200 meters before the ghat. Besides, special arrangements have been made to control crowd at Sampark Ghats also.
Jaiswal also said that on the occasion of completion of 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, the people of Kashi will collectively sing ‘Vande Mataram’ at 11 am at Namo Ghat. On the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening, the whole of Kashi is ready to welcome him.
Jaiswal further said that there is a famous saying in Kashi that there are seven days in the week, but nine festivals are celebrated. For this reason Kashi is called the city of festivals.
He told that a grand celebration of Dev Diwali will be held on Wednesday. In this festival celebrated fifteen days after Diwali, the residents of Kashi light lamps on the Ganga ghats. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also be present on this occasion. Jaiswal said that a large number of tourists participate in this festival not only from across the country but also from abroad.
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ASH/ABM