Varanasi, July 9, 2025
In a significant move towards environmental conservation and temple sanctity, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust has announced a complete ban on all types of plastic within the temple premises starting August 10, 2025. The decision, originally declared in December 2024, aims to reduce pollution and promote eco-friendly practices among devotees and vendors.
As per the new directive, plastic will no longer be allowed in any form — including wrappers, carry bags, and packaging material used for fruits, flowers, or puja offerings. The temple administration clarified that even thin plastic films and polythene commonly used in religious packaging will be strictly prohibited.
The ban is part of a broader environmental initiative taken by the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust in alignment with the Uttar Pradesh government’s push for sustainable practices at major pilgrimage sites. In preparation for this transition, a series of awareness drives are being launched during the holy month of Sawan, which witnesses a significant influx of devotees from across India.
“We appeal to all devotees and vendors to support this initiative by shifting to biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags, paper packaging, and natural materials,” said a spokesperson from the temple trust. “Preserving the spiritual and environmental purity of Kashi is a shared responsibility.”
To ensure smooth implementation, temple authorities have collaborated with local municipal bodies to set up checkpoints and deploy volunteers who will guide devotees regarding the new rules. Vendors within the temple complex are also being sensitized and provided with alternatives to plastic packaging.
Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable items for offerings and avoid carrying any single-use plastic during their visit. Authorities have warned that non-compliance may result in confiscation of materials or denial of entry.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered shrines in Hinduism, receives thousands of visitors daily. The upcoming plastic ban is expected to significantly reduce the temple’s environmental footprint and set a precedent for other religious institutions across the country.
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