Kashi Vishwanath Temple suspends VIP darshan ahead of New Year

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has suspended VIP darshan until further notice due to the rising influx of devotees ahead of the New Year. The temple administration has decided to allow only jhanki darshan for the time being to ensure security and maintain smooth crowd management.

According to Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, the Chief Executive Officer of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, the decision was taken on December 24, considering the large number of devotees visiting the temple. "It would not be possible to provide any special facilities, implement any protocol, or grant any special access for darshan," Mishra said, adding that the suspension would be reviewed once the crowds subside.

The temple is expecting a massive influx of pilgrims during the New Year period, with around lakhs of visitors arriving daily.

#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: On the suspension of VIP darshan at the temple in view of the New Year, CEO of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, Vishwa Bhushan Mishra says, "...On December 24, 2025, the temple trust

decided that it would not be possible to provide any special… pic.twitter.com/oXTjJD8Z78

— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2025

“Therefore, it has been decided to postpone this for the time being, and once the crowds subside and the number of devotees returns to normal, we will consider what facilities can be provided. So, the general instruction is that it will not be possible to provide any special facilities during peak hours. Regular darshan, which we call ‘jhanki darshan’, is available for all devotees,” he added, reported ANI.

The administration has implemented crowd-control measures, including a zig-zag line system, to ensure safety and convenience for devotees, reported ABP News.

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, remains a cornerstone of the Hindu faith.

In August 2025, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham became a plastic-free zone, banning all plastic items like baskets and water containers for devotees entering the premises.

As part of the 'Plastic Free Dham' effort, MLA Neelkanth Tiwari, corporator Kanaklata Tiwari, and other council members presented bamboo baskets and steel pots to encourage shopkeepers to choose environmentally friendly alternatives.