Varanasi, Nov 15 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday praised the transformation of Kashi and said that the city has undergone remarkable changes in its appearance and identity over the past ten years.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Namo Ghat on Friday in Varanasi, the CM said that while the Ganga’s water was once considered unsafe even for bathing, efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Namami Gange project have now made it clean and safe enough for drinking.
He extended his greetings on the occasion of the 555th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on the birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. “It is my good fortune that I am witnessing this unique festival of Dev Deepawali,” he said.
Speaking at a ceremony graced by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the Chief Guest, Yogi mentioned how the people of Kashi express their gratitude by affectionately referring to ‘Namo Ghat’ as ‘Narendra Modi Ghat’.
He praised the clean and beautiful ghats, the grandeur of Vishwanath Dham, well-developed four-lane and six-lane roads, excellent train connectivity, and the International Airport, which have redefined Kashi’s identity.
Specifically emphasising Namo Ghat, the CM called it not just a ghat but a unique place. “Once neglected and feared due to its darkness and filth, it has now been transformed into the city’s most beautiful and longest ghat. It has also hosted grand events like the G-20 Summit and the Kashi Tamil Sangamam,” he said.
He highlighted the massive increase in footfall at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. He said that five years ago, only about 50 devotees could visit the temple at a time, but today, the number has risen to over 50,000 daily, reaching lakhs during special occasions.
While discussing Kashi’s remarkable transformation over the past decade, Yogi emphasised that the people of Kashi have experienced both the city’s new look and the progress of a new India. “Kashi has gained a global identity as a unique blend of development and heritage, a change that has been witnessed firsthand by the residents,” he said.
He mentioned the significant improvements in infrastructure and the completion of several major projects. He highlighted that Kashi is home to the country’s first waterway to Haldia and shared that over 700 boats in Kashi now operate on CNG fuel, helping to reduce pollution.
The CM also spoke about the inauguration of Namo Ghat, which has greatly enhanced the celebrations of Dev Deepawali. Referring to Dev Deepawali as the ‘Deepawali of the Gods’, he acknowledged the global recognition the festival has received due to the efforts of PM Narendra Modi.
He wished that the festival of Dev Deepawali brings joy and prosperity to everyone’s life, while also invoking blessings from Baba Vishwanath for the well-being of all.
On this occasion, Vice President’s wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Governor Anandi Ben Patel, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, State Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Stamps and Registration Ravindra Jaiswal, MLAs Dr Neelkanth Tiwari, Saurabh Srivastava, Mayor Ashok Tiwari, MLCs Dharmendra Rai, Hansraj Vishwakarma, District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, Sunil Patel and other dignitaries were present.
On the occasion of Dev Deepawali organized on the holy festival of Kartik Purnima in Varanasi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Governor Anandi Ben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the grand Namo Ghat.
The inauguration was marked by the unveiling of a stone plaque, accompanied by the chanting of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ by the people of Kashi, the resonating sound of damrus, and the blowing of conches, creating an atmosphere of reverence and festivity.
Yogi warmly welcomed Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in Kashi, presenting him with a shawl and the Namo Mudra installed at Namo Ghat as a token of respect. Governor Anandi Ben Patel also welcomed the Vice President’s wife, Sudesh Dhankhar, presenting her with a statue of Lord Ganesh.
The grand Dev Deepawali festival in Kashi was officially inaugurated by dignitaries lighting five lamps each near the Namo Mudra at Namo Ghat. The event kicked off with vibrant cultural performances, starting with a dance group from Odisha performing the song ‘Namo Namo’.
The audience was further mesmerised by Kuchipudi dance performances from artists from the USA and Australia, who beautifully interpreted the theme of Cosmic Shiva. The celebrations reflected the spiritual grandeur of Kashi and added a unique touch to the festival’s significance.
