Chaos at Kashi Ganga Mahotsav as Fan Breaks Down During Hansraj Raghuwanshi’s Performance; Barricades Collapse Amid Crowd Rush

Hansraj Raghuwanshi, known for his soulful devotional songs, captivated the audience with his signature blend of bhajans and spiritual melodies. One fan, identified as Vivek from Sonbhadra, broke down in tears during the performance, overcome with emotion. Several others were visibly moved as the singer’s voice echoed across the banks of the Ganga.

However, the atmosphere shifted when the packed audience began pushing for better seating. Eyewitnesses reported that barricades near the stage collapsed amid a scuffle, triggering brief panic. Police and RAF personnel deployed at the venue intervened swiftly to restore order and prevent further escalation.

Before Hansraj’s act, the evening featured a series of captivating performances highlighting Banaras’ classical and cultural richness. BHU student Shivani and her troupe performed an elegant Kathak routine, followed by acclaimed artists Vasumathi Badrinath from Karnataka and Rupam Sarkar Samantha, a disciple of the late Appaji Girija Devi, who rendered soulful classical compositions.

Indian Idol fame Ayurdh Vipendra Sharma from Ujjain closed the segment with a mesmerizing Kathak performance that drew loud applause.

Officials estimated that more than 5,000 people attended the concluding night of the festival. The district administration has announced a review of the crowd management arrangements following the incident. Despite the disruption, the Mahotsav successfully showcased Varanasi’s enduring musical heritage and cultural vibrancy.