Varanasi: February 28, 2025
During the Maha Kumbh overflow, Kashi remained a bustling hub as 953 VIPs and VVIPs visited the Kashi Vishwanath Dham between January 13 and February 26. On average, more than 21 VIPs visited the holy site daily over the 45-day period.
Among the visitors were seven Chief Ministers (CMs), seven Governors, 190 judges, and 161 ministers and leaders. Notable figures included Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath (UP), Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), and Mohan Charn Majhi (Odisha), as well as various Deputy CMs and legislative assembly speakers from different states. A total of 190 judges from the Supreme Court and various High Courts also visited the temple.
In addition, Union Ministers such as Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance) and S. Jaishankar (External Affairs), along with 145 ministers from state and central governments, participated in the visit. Prominent celebrities like actresses Raveena Tandon, Preity Zinta, Parineeti Chopra, and actor Vijay Deverakonda, as well as cricketer RP Singh, also paid their respects at the temple.
The influx of VIPs was part of a larger wave, with 213 international delegates also visiting Kashi. Furthermore, 389 other distinguished figures from the bureaucracy, business, and various sectors arrived in the city during this period.
Despite the heavy foot traffic, the city’s internal traffic management was well-maintained thanks to a special plan put in place by the police commissionerate. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted an aerial survey on February 15 to assess the city’s crowd control and traffic management, ensuring a smooth experience for all visitors.
