In the heart of Varanasi's bustling Godowlia crossing, a magnificent Nandi statue stands in solemn reverence, its gaze fixated upon the legendary Kashi Vishwanath temple. This centuries-old custom of the guardian deity pointing the way to Lord Shiva's abode reflects the city's enduring connection to its spiritual roots.
Once known as Banaras, the city has been eloquently described by Mark Twain as "older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend." Today, Banaras is experiencing a remarkable transformation, with a surge in its tourist footfall.
Numbers Speak
During a recent Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of Varanasi's tourism surge as a "cultural reawakening." This sentiment is vividly reflected in the numbers. The Uttar Pradesh tourism department's official website attests to a tenfold increase in tourist arrivals compared to the pre-pandemic era. In 2019, nearly 68 lakh visitors explored the city's treasures. Fast forward to 2022, and this number has soared to an impressive 7.2 crore, surpassing even bustling Mathura with its 6.5 crore tourists. Varanasi's meteoric rise has firmly established it as the most frequented destination in Uttar Pradesh, outshining even Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal.
The Catalyst
The catalyst for this phenomenal growth is widely attributed to the revitalization of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor. Since its inauguration in December 2021, the corridor has welcomed a staggering 10 crore visitors to the revered Kashi Vishwanath temple, breathing new life into the city's tourism sector. This sprawling complex, sprawling across 5 lakh square feet, has rekindled the spiritual fervour of devotees who stand in queues, intermittently chanting "Har Har Mahadev" as they await their cherished "darshan" moments.
Sunil Verma, CEO of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, shares that daily footfalls have surged, reaching up to 1.5 lakh-2 lakh devotees during the auspicious Sawan month. Sanjay Modi, hailing from Gujarat, said: "The improvements have made everything more accessible. The facilities for darshan and accommodations are excellent."