Invitation cards distributed, Kashi adorned... Shiva-Parvati wedding on Shivratri

An atmosphere of devotion and celebration is building up in Kashi for the festival of Mahashivratri. Special invitation cards are being distributed for the Shiva-Parvati wedding on the occasion of Shivratri on February 15. Printed in a typical Bhojpuri style, like a regular wedding invitation, these cards are urging Shiva devotees to participate in the Shiva procession. Special enthusiasm is being seen among the devotees in the city of Kashi Vishwanath.

On February 15, Baba Vishwanath will give darshan to devotees continuously for 45 hours. It is estimated that 8 to 10 lakh devotees will arrive. During this time, VIP and special darshan will be prohibited. No-vehicle zones and route diversions will be implemented for traffic management.

Invitation cards for the Shiva-Parvati wedding has distributed

This time, 8 to 10 lakh devotees are expected to arrive for darshan of Baba Kashi Vishwanath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple administration and the district administration have intensified preparations in view of the crowd. Baba Vishwanath will give darshan to devotees continuously for 45 hours, from the Mangala Aarti on February 15 to February 16.

Tradition and special theme of the Shiva procession

The Shiva procession for the Shiva-Parvati wedding has become a special identity of Kashi. This tradition has been followed for the last 43 years, and this year marks the 44th year of the Shiva procession. According to Ajit Singh, associated with the Shiva procession organization, in 1983, the gold from Baba Vishwanath's argha (offering vessel) was stolen. Later, when the gold was recovered, a festive atmosphere prevailed in Kashi, and since then, the Shiva procession has been organized as a Shiva festival.

This time, the theme of the Shiva procession is 'Holi'. The colors of the special Holi celebrations from different parts of the country will be seen in Kashi's Shiva procession this time. Residents of Varanasi who received invitation cards say that they eagerly await the Shiv Barat procession every year and experience immense joy by participating in it.

Traffic Management and Security Arrangements

Given the large crowds of devotees, traffic management remains a major challenge for the administration. ACP Traffic Sombir Singh said that all major routes leading to the Vishwanath Temple will be declared no-vehicle zones. In addition, route diversions and barricades will be put in place at various points to control the crowd.

Temple Administration's Complete Preparations

Chief Executive Officer of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, said that on the day of Shivratri, Baba Vishwanath will be available for darshan (viewing) continuously for 45 hours. During this time, the aarti (ritual of worship) will be performed four times. Due to the large number of devotees, VIP darshan, touch darshan, and protocol darshan will be completely suspended.

Summary

Zigzag barricading will be arranged for crowd management. Complete arrangements will also be made for ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), medical teams, drinking water, and toilets. He also informed that this time, a special gift for Baba Vishwanath is coming from Mathura on the occasion of Shivratri. Shiva devotees from all corners of the country are eager to reach Kashi to witness this auspicious occasion.