Varanasi: The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple administration has suspended all VIP and protocol darshan during the holy month of Shrawan, from July 30 to Aug 28, to ensure smooth crowd management and provide equal opportunity for lakhs of devotees expected to visit the temple for darshan and jalabhishek.Announcing the decision on Thursday, the temple’s CEO, Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, said the move was taken in view of the massive rush anticipated during the auspicious month, particularly on Mondays, when waiting time under the general darshan arrangement often stretches to six to seven hours or more.“Shrawan month will begin on July 30 and continue till Aug 28. During the festive month, a large number of devotees from across the country and abroad are expected to offer prayers and perform jalabhishek at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Due to the exceptionally heavy rush, especially on Mondays, the average waiting time for devotees in the general queue increases to six to seven hours or even longer,” Mishra said.Keeping in view the convenience, safety and smooth management of devotees, it is necessary to provide equal opportunity to all visitors, he said. Mishra added that allowing special facility or protocol darshan during this period would further increase the waiting time for devotees in the general queue, disrupting the darshan arrangements and causing inconvenience, particularly to children, women, divyangjan, senior citizens and those who are unwell.He also said that prolonged waiting in the prevailing heat and humid conditions could pose health and safety risks to devotees.“In light of these circumstances, it has been decided at the competent level that during Shrawan 2026, all kinds of special facilities and protocol darshan at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple will remain suspended. During this period, special or protocol darshan for any category will not be made available under any circumstances,” Mishra said.
