Panchkroshi Yatra gains renewed momentum as thousands of pilgrims embark on the sacred 84-km circumambulation
Undeterred by distance, thousands of spiritual seekers have embarked on the sacred Panchkroshi Yatra around Varanasi, halting at designated holy shrines along the route.
The ancient and spiritually profound Panchkroshi Yatra of Kashi has witnessed a massive resurgence, with thousands of pilgrims setting out on the arduous 84-kilometer circumambulation of the holy city. Armed with traditional wooden staves, modest cloth bundles, and chanting 'Har Har Mahadev', devotees embark from Manikarnika Ghat, walking through five distinct zones and halting at sacred resting stations ('Koshi grahs') including Kardameshwar, Bhimachandi, and Rameshwar.
Local akhadas, community kitchens ('bhandaras'), and village panchayats along the traditional route have made elaborate arrangements to provide free meals, medical aid, and resting shelters for the yatris. District authorities have also repaired rural approach roads and installed solar streetlights along the pilgrimage corridor to facilitate safe nighttime movement.
Scholars of Kashi Vedic traditions explain that completing the Panchkroshi Yatra purifies the soul and grants ultimate spiritual liberation (*Moksha*). The Yogi Adityanath-led UP government has recently allocated funds to develop wayside amenities and preserve historical temples situated along the Panchkroshi circuit to boost religious heritage tourism in Purvanchal.
