Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Varanasi Loses Its Character, Says Kashinath Singh
Kashinath Singh, a famous Hindi writer, has lived in Varanasi for many years.
He loves the city and has written about it in his books.
But he is sad because Varanasi is changing.
When he was young, the city was quiet and peaceful.
People came to learn and experience its culture.
Now, there are many cars, multiplexes, and tourists.
The ghats, which were once peaceful, are now crowded.
Singh misses the old Varanasi with its unique streets and traditions.
He feels the city is losing its special character and becoming like any other big city.
Kashinath Singh, a renowned Hindi author, expresses his sadness over the changing character of Varanasi.
He recalls the city's peaceful past, with ghats used for meditation and cultural activities.
Singh notes the increase in cars, multiplexes, and commercialization, making Varanasi similar to other big cities.
He laments the loss of traditional streets and the transformation of Assi Ghat into a crowded promenade.
Despite the changes, Singh acknowledges the increase in readers and writers, including those critical of the government.
- Who
- Kashinath Singh, a renowned Hindi author and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award
- What
- The changing character of Varanasi, from a peaceful, culturally rich city to a commercialized spectacle
- When
- The changes have occurred over the decades, with significant observations made by Singh in recent times
- Where
- Varanasi, a holy city in India known for its ghats and cultural heritage
- Why
- Singh believes the city's traditional character is being destroyed due to modernization and commercialization
- Author
- Kashinath Singh
- Awards
- Sahitya Akademi Award
- Notable Work
- Kashi Ka Assi
- Birthdate
- January 1, 1937
- Birthplace
- Jiyapur, Chandauli
- Career
- Lecturer and Head of Hindi Department at Banaras Hindu University
- Residence
- Varanasi