As Varanasi prepares for Dev Deepawali on November 24, the city braces for a spectacle of a million lights and an even greater number of pilgrims. This year, authorities are implementing a comprehensive and upgraded security plan to ensure safety amidst
the celebration.
A Celestial Spectacle on Earth
Dev Deepawali, often called the 'Diwali of the Gods,' is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, fifteen days after Diwali. In Varanasi, this festival transforms the city’s 84 ghats into a breathtaking panorama of light. Millions of earthen lamps, or diyas, are lit along the stone steps, from Assi Ghat to Raj Ghat, creating an unbroken chain of fire that reflects in the holy Ganga. This celestial display attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists, with crowd estimates often exceeding 10 lakh people, all converging on the narrow riverfront to witness the grand Ganga Aarti and cultural events. This immense gathering, concentrated in a geographically challenging area, makes public safety a paramount concern.
Zonal Strategy for Crowd Control
To manage the immense human tide, authorities have adopted a strategic, multi-layered approach. The entire ghat stretch is typically divided into zones, sectors, and sub-sectors to decentralise command and control. This year’s plans involve robust barricading at key access points like Godaulia, Assi, and Maidagin to regulate the flow of people towards the river. One-way routes for pedestrians will likely be enforced in the narrow lanes leading to the ghats to prevent dangerous bottlenecks. Officials plan to establish designated viewing zones and may identify weak or dilapidated buildings near the ghats, advising owners against allowing people to congregate on rooftops to prevent structural failures. Emergency exits will be clearly marked, and special attention is paid to the seven most crowded ghats, including Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Namo Ghat.
Eyes on the Water and in the Sky
Security isn't confined to the land. The Ganga itself becomes a hub of activity, with thousands of tourists opting for boat rides to get a panoramic view of the illuminated ghats. To ensure safety on the water, joint patrols by the NDRF, Water Police, and PAC flood teams are a critical component of the plan. Boat operators receive strict guidelines, and measures such as mandatory life jackets and checks on the seaworthiness of vessels are enforced to prevent accidents. Overhead, drone surveillance will provide a real-time eye in the sky, feeding information back to a central control room. This allows for dynamic monitoring of crowd density and rapid deployment of resources to areas showing signs of strain. Flying of unauthorised private drones is strictly prohibited.
City-Wide Traffic and Movement Plan
The impact of Dev Deepawali extends far beyond the ghats, necessitating a city-wide traffic management plan. Authorities typically release detailed advisories on traffic diversions and no-entry zones well in advance. This year, multiple traffic plans have been prepared to be implemented based on the level of crowd pressure. No vehicular movement is allowed towards the ghats beyond designated parking areas, which are set up at a distance. Small and large goods vehicles are often rerouted to the city's outer ring road to decongest the main arteries. For medical emergencies, dedicated 'green corridors' will be established to ensure ambulances have an clear path to major hospitals.
A Focus on Pilgrim Assistance
Beyond enforcement, a significant part of the strategy is focused on assistance and support for visitors. Temporary police stations are set up along the ghats and in the city. Integrated emergency help desks, staffed by medical professionals, police, and fire brigade personnel, will be operational at strategic locations to provide swift aid. Special attention is also given to the safety of women, with the deployment of plainclothes women police personnel and dedicated Anti-Romeo squads at major ghats. These measures aim to create a secure environment where devotees can focus on the spiritual significance of the evening, knowing that a robust safety net is in place.
