Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Protests Erupt Over Idol Damage at Kashi's Manikarnika Ghat Redevelopment
A video showing a bulldozer demolishing idols at Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi has gone viral.
People are upset and protesting, especially because they say a very old idol of a queen named Ahilyabai Holkar was damaged.
The authorities say they are preserving the idols and will put them back after the work is done.
The ghat is being redeveloped with new facilities like toilets and cremation platforms.
The work was started by the Prime Minister and is being funded by a foundation.
The work was stopped for a while because of floods but has now started again.
The authorities are talking to the local people and will continue the work after discussing with senior officials.
Some people are very angry and want the work to stop until the idols are safely taken care of.
A viral video shows a bulldozer demolishing idols at Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi during redevelopment work.
Protestors allege damage to a century-old idol of Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered queen, without prior notice.
The district administration claims artefacts were preserved for reinstallation and denies any temple demolition.
The redevelopment project, funded by the Rupa Foundation, includes community toilets, cremation platforms, and other facilities.
Congress party leaders and local groups have condemned the incident, calling it an attack on the city's heritage and culture.
- Who
- Local residents, district administration, Pal Samaj Samiti, Marathi community, Sanatan Rakshak Dal, Congress party, Khasgi Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Charities Trust
- What
- Demolition of idols and redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat
- When
- Recent days (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi
- Why
- Redevelopment and beautification project
- Location
- Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi
- Incident
- Demolition of idols during redevelopment
- Investigation Status
- Ongoing
- Project Cost
- Rs 18 crore
- Funding Source
- Rupa Foundation (CSR funds)
- Project Initiation
- 2023 (foundation stone laid by PM Modi)
- Project Features
- Community toilets, cremation platforms, pollution-free chimneys, registration room, wood storage area, waiting room
- Protestors
- Pal Samaj Samiti, Marathi community, Sanatan Rakshak Dal, Congress party
- Idol in Question
- Ahilyabai Holkar
Sources
Video of idols being demolished at Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi goes viral; authorities clarify
‘Ahilyabai Holkar’s statue’ demolished in Varanasi, district admin orders probe
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s statues damaged at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi: Indore-based trust