Varanasi, Aug 18 (UNI) Due to the continuous rise in the Ganga water level, the venue of the world-famous Ganga Aarti, organised by the Ganga Seva Nidhi at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the holy city of Kashi, has been shifted for the fifth time.
The Ganga Seva Nidhi office rooftop now hosts the Aarti due to the rising water levels.
At the same time, cremation grounds at Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats have also been relocated due to rising water levels.
Ganga Seva Nidhi President Sushant Mishra said on Tuesday that, as with every year, the Ganga's water level has risen rapidly this year as well.
He said that the flooding of the ghat steps had severely limited the space available for devotees, despite the steadily increasing number of devotees. For safety reasons, it was decided to hold the Ganga Aarti on the rooftop of the Ganga Seva Nidhi office starting Monday evening. He added that this is the fifth time the venue of the Ganga Aarti has been shifted due to rising water levels.
Along with the Ganga, the water level of the Varuna River is also rising rapidly. In the Varuna riverbed, water is moving towards homes. Floodwater has reached some houses in the Salarpur area.
According to the Central Water Commission, the Ganga's water level was recorded above 65 meters on Tuesday.
In view of the rising water level, the Water Police have completely stopped boat operations. Several temples located on and near the ghats have also been submerged. The ghats have also lost contact.
UNI XC-MBD ARN