This is an archive article published on August 12, 2025
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Plastic banned in Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Many devotees were stopped on Monday, the first day of the ban, at the gates for carrying plastic bottles and bags, and allowed in only after leaving them in safe custody
Local vendors who were earlier selling flowers, holy water, sweets, and milk in plastic containers, have switched to bamboo baskets, cardboard boxes, trays, and small steel glasses. (File photo)
After weeks of awareness drives for pilgrims and shopkeepers on the harmful effects of plastic, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple authorities have officially banned the entry of all plastic items inside the temple premises, declaring the area a completely plastic-free zone.
The ban, which came into effect on Monday, the day after the end of the auspicious month of Sawan, caused confusion among several pilgrims unaware of the campaign. Many were stopped at the gates for carrying plastic water bottles, bags, and containers, and allowed in only after leaving them in safe custody. Nearby shops have set up locker facilities for devotees to store belongings before darshan.
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Local vendors who were earlier selling flowers, holy water, sweets, and milk in plastic containers, have switched to bamboo baskets, cardboard boxes, trays, and small steel glasses. Cardboard is now used for sweets, while bamboo baskets hold flowers, diyas, and other pooja items.
Varanasi sees 1–1.5 lakh visitors daily, rising to 2–2.5 lakh on weekends. During Sawan, the temple recorded about 10 lakh devotees. Clear instructions have been issued to temple and police staff to strictly enforce the ban.
“As of yesterday, no plastic is allowed inside the temple campus,” said Vishwa Bhushan, CEO of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Trust, adding that bamboo baskets and steel glasses had been distributed to promote eco-friendly alternatives.
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Shopkeepers, however, said the transition was difficult due to old inventory. “We have been using plastic baskets and pots for years, but in view of the government’s initiative, we have now switched to bamboo, cardboard, and steel items,” said Raj Kumar Seth, a vendor for four decades.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shambhu Saran said the authorities will next remove plastic chairs, coolers, and other such items from the premises to fully align with the plastic-free goal. Last year, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation had banned shops within two kilometres of the temple.
Local vendors who were earlier selling flowers, holy water, sweets, and milk in plastic containers, have switched to bamboo baskets, cardboard boxes, trays, and small steel glasses. (File photo) 
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