Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Kashi Vishwanath Halts VIP and Touch Darshan as Year-End Crowds Surge

Temple officials cite safety concerns from a sharp influx of devotees, with a review planned on January 3.

Overview

  • The temple has suspended all protocol, VIP, and touch-based darshan, limiting access to regulated queue-based visual (jhanki) viewing.
  • Restrictions took effect on December 24 and apply to all VIP and special-category visitors without exceptions.
  • Officials report a marked rise in footfall since December 22, prompting designated entry points and controlled queues to ease congestion.
  • The suspension remains in force until a January 3 assessment, and authorities say measures could be extended if crowd pressure persists.
  • The CEO cited last year’s New Year footfall of roughly 5–8 lakh and noted an overall ~40% decline after the Mahakumbh as context for planning.