Fri Jan 31 11:17:16 UTC 2025: ## Varanasi Ganga Aarti Suspended, Thousands of Pilgrims Stranded After Maha Kumbh
**Varanasi, India (January 31, 2025)** – The Ganga Aarti, a popular evening prayer ceremony on the ghats of Varanasi, has been suspended until February 5th due to an overwhelming influx of pilgrims returning from the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela. Authorities cited concerns over crowd control and safety as the reason for the temporary closure.
The suspension affects ceremonies at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sheetla Ghat, Assi Ghat, and other locations along the Ganges. Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary travel and cooperate with authorities.
Thousands of pilgrims remain stranded at Varanasi Cantt and Banaras railway stations, unable to secure train travel due to the massive crowds and some train cancellations. Many recounted harrowing experiences of overcrowding and difficulties finding transportation. One pilgrim, Bobby Maya Limbu from Assam, described her struggle to board a train after attending the Kumbh Mela. Another, Dinanath from Gaya, shared his story of being stranded for two days with his family, resorting to a makeshift night shelter at the station.
While the night shelter provides temporary accommodation, it lacks food provisions. Cantt Assistant Commissioner of Police Vidush Saxena explained that the surge in pilgrims began after Mauni Amavasya and urged devotees to postpone their visits until the crowds subside. Increased police patrols are in place at the railway stations to manage the situation.
First Piper 