Kashi witnesses majestic Maha Shivratri as with Mangala Aarti (VIDEOS)

Varanasi: Kashi, the land of Lord Shiva, witnessed an overwhelming surge of devotees seeking the blessings of Baba Vishwanath on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri on Wednesday.

This year, the city is set to break all records, with an estimated 25 lakh devotees expected to participate. Since midnight, serpentine queues stretching over 3 kilometres have formed outside the temple, as the doors remain open for an uninterrupted 46-hour darshan.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been closely monitoring the arrangements to ensure a smooth and well-organised celebration. Senior officials have also been actively patrolling the area, ensuring everything runs seamlessly under the CM's directives.

This year's Maha Shivratri in Kashi has become even more special as it coincides with the Maha Kumbh's return flow, leading to an unprecedented surge in devotees. To manage the enormous crowd, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust and district administration, under CM Yogi’s guidance, have implemented strict security measures.

The entire temple complex is under high surveillance with police, paramilitary forces, Anti Terror Squad (ATS) commandos and STF units deployed to maintain order. Senior officials continue to assess the situation on the ground to ensure devotees' safety and comfort.

Adding to the grandeur, 'Akhadas' grand procession became a major highlight of the festival. Naga Sadhus of the Juna Akhada marched towards Baba Vishwanath's temple, carrying tridents, swords and maces, chanting 'Har Har Mahadev'.

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Army of Naga Sadhus & other Hindu saints heading towards Kashi Vishwanath mandir, Varnasi to offer prayers to Mahadev on the occasion of Mahashivratri ( last day of Maha Kumbh Mela )

Their divinity is Guidance for all of us

Har Har Mahadev pic.twitter.com/CxJ5UQHgvt

— Sheetal Chopra (@SheetalPronamo) February 26, 2025 >

The sacred procession was welcomed with floral showers and garlands, with senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma, Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal and District Magistrate S Rajalingam, personally honouring the Naga Sadhus at gate number 4 of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham.

To ensure a smooth darshan experience for every devotee, VIP protocols were suspended, giving equal access to all. The temple doors were opened at 2:15 am after the Mangala Aarti, with Baba Vishwanath adorned like a divine groom.

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#WATCH | Varanasi, UP: Mangala Aarti was performed at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

(Source: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir) pic.twitter.com/nHWYnzQ3CQ

— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2025 >

Meanwhile, thousands of devotees thronged the Ganga ghats, taking a sacred dip on this auspicious day. The extensive arrangements, carried out under CM Yogi's supervision, have not only enhanced the devotees' experience but also strengthened Kashi’s global spiritual identity.

Many devotees praised the Yogi government for making this Maha Shivratri historic and unforgettable.

This Maha Shivratri was truly special in Kashi, the sacred city of Lord Shiva. The Yogi government elevated the celebrations by orchestrating a grand flower shower from a helicopter, covering Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the Ganga Ghats. As rose petals rained from the sky, chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' echoed through the air, filling devotees with divine joy.

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#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | Flower petals being showered on devotees who have arrived at Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer prayers on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. pic.twitter.com/bUN5oijMDT

— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2025 >

Following the Maha Kumbh, Kashi witnessed a massive influx of devotees eager for Baba Vishwanath's darshan. Upholding its commitment to honouring religious faith, the Yogi government ensured the continuation of this floral tribute even after the Maha Kumbh.

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GRANDE FINALE OF MAHA KUMBH 2025! #Mahashivratri celebrations in #Varanasi reach new heights! Naga Sadhus, adorned with ash and armed with trishuls, take out a majestic procession, culminating at Kashi Vishwanath Temple for a divine prayer ceremony, marking the grand conclusion… pic.twitter.com/ioxJkqE25B

— Swachh Maha Kumbh (@SwachhKumbh) February 26, 2025 >

The festivities saw vibrant processions of various Akharas, with saints, sadhus, and devotees from across the country immersing themselves in devotion. The atmosphere was electric, reaching its peak as petals cascaded over the celebrating crowds.