• Source:JND
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Varanasi is gearing up for the grand celebration of Dev Deepawali, a festival that marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the devil and the birth anniversary of Lord Kartik, on November 26. It is believed that Hindu gods descend from heaven on this day to celebrate victory and the ghats of Varanasi is one of the most popular destinations to celebrate this event. 

The local administration expects to host over 5 lakh tourists, who will witness the spectacular sight of the illuminated ghats and the Ganga river. Around 1,200 boats will operate in the river, offering a scenic view of the festivities for the visitors. 

To ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, the district administration has divided Kashi’s 84 ghats into nine zones, 11 sectors and 32 sub-sectors. They have deployed police teams, quick response teams, anti-Romeo squads and women police teams. A team of 16 divers will also be on standby to carry out rescue operations. 

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Police have set up barricades at five key locations including Maidagin, Assi, Godaulia, Bhadau Chungi and Ramapura to manage the huge crowd. The administration has also set up pink booths, integrated emergency help desks, anti-terrorist squad and intelligence teams to enhance security arrangements ahead of the festival, reported news agency IANS.  

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A state home department official said that the police teams will be deployed at all ghats and adjoining streets and a meeting has been conducted with boat operators to inform them about the guidelines for the event which is expected to attract a huge crowd.