It is raining continuously in the mountains, which is also affecting the plains. A huge increase is being seen in the water level of Ganga and its tributaries. The water level of Ganga has also increased a lot in Varanasi, which has also affected the Ganga Aarti held at the Ganga Ghat.
Due to the rising water level of Ganga, its ghats have been submerged in water. Flood water has started reaching the lower areas due to which the administration is on alert mode. The venue of the world famous Ganga Aarti held daily at Dashashwamedh Ghat has also been changed. Due to the Aarti stage being completely submerged, Ganga Aarti was performed on the rooftop instead of Dashashwamedh Ghat on Sunday.
The popular Assi Ghat has been completely submerged and cruise operations have been stopped in view of the rising water level. Boat operations have already been stopped. In July, there was news that the water level of the Ganga in Varanasi was rising at a speed of 20 mm and had reached the danger mark.
Due to the rising water level of the Ganges, not only the connectivity of the paved ghats has been lost, but the small and big temples built on the banks have also been submerged. Due to the rising water level, not only the place of aarti sthal has been changed, but even the place of cremation at the Mahasmshan Manikarnika Ghat has had to be changed because the water of the Ganges has reached above the ghat.
People come to Manikarnika Ghat not only from UP but also from other states for cremation. But the flood has submerged all the concrete ghats as well as the Mahasmshan Manikarnika Ghat. The situation is such that now cremation has been started on the roof or what is called a big platform that has been built to deal with such a situation.
Due to less space and increased crowd, the problems of the people have increased. It is believed that by cremating the dead at Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi, the dead attain salvation. With this belief, Sanatanis from all over the world come here. But in this path of salvation, the purifying mother Ganga has started creating obstacles and has made the path of salvation difficult.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)