PM Modi to mark Dev Deepawali in Varanasi today, review project

During his six-hour visit, the Prime Minister will watch a show based on the life of Gautam Buddha and another show based on a mythological theme.

He is also expected to review the progress in Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor project. Before leaving the city, he will also perform puja at Kashipuradhpati temple and will take a boat ride along the ghats of the Ganga.

The Prime Minister will also address a public meeting in Khajuri and inaugurate a six-lane road from Rajatlab to Handia. The road hold much importance for UP as it is part of the golden quadrilateral Delhi-Kolkata corridor, and connects the two holy districts of Prayagraj and Varanasi.

Earlier this month, PM Modi had inaugurated different projects worth Rs 614 crore in Varanasi. In the last 6 years, Varanasi is being developed with projects worth Rs 18,000 crore.

Officials said Covid protocol will be adhered to strictly during the event and, as part of safety measures, the administration has banned any drone flying.

Varanasi to get back stolen Annapurna statue: Modi

Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in his Mann ki Baat programme on Sunday that a statue of Goddess Annapurna, which was stolen from a temple in Varanasi in 1913, will be returned to the holy city soon.

The statue, which was smuggled out of the country, was recently brought back from Canada. Modi said Goddess Annapurna has a very special relation with Kashi and bringing back the statue is a happy occasion. He added that several of such invaluable items have brought back from foreign countries in recent years.  —ENS