Tag: Varanasi

Human Interest

Rare White Owl Spotted on Kashi Vishwanath’s Golden Peak, Seen as Auspicious Sign

Tanisha Cardozo

VARANASI: Devotees at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple witnessed an extraordinary and divine moment on Monday night when a rare white owl perched on the temple’s golden spire. The incident occurred around 10 pm and was quickly noticed by temple staff and visitors present at the holy site.

The sighting has been described as highly auspicious in Hindu tradition, where owls, especially white ones, are associated with prosperity, blessings, and spiritual significance.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust’s CEO, Vishwa Bhushan, remarked, “Very good news for India.” His statement has amplified the sense of reverence and excitement around the unusual event.

Spiritual Symbolism

In Indian culture, owls are considered the vahana (vehicle) of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing wealth and fortune. The rare sighting of a white owl atop one of India’s holiest temples is being interpreted by many as a divine blessing for the country.

Reactions from Devotees

Videos and images of the owl quickly began circulating on social media, with devotees calling it a sign of hope, prosperity, and spiritual awakening. Many expressed their gratitude for being able to witness what they termed a “once-in-a-lifetime divine sign.”

The incident has further reinforced the cultural and spiritual magnetism of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered shrines of Lord Shiva.

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Prayagraj and Varanasi Score Full Marks in India’s National Clean Air Programme

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New Delhi | July 2025 : In a commendable achievement, the twin cities of Prayagraj and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh have emerged as national role models in the fight against air pollution, securing full marks under the Government of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) performance index.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which monitors the implementation of the NCAP across India, noted that Prayagraj and Varanasi were the only two cities to score 100 out of 100 for their coordinated and sustained actions to improve urban air quality.

The comprehensive evaluation measured key performance areas including:

  • Reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels
  • Citizen participation and awareness campaigns
  • Transition to cleaner fuels
  • Urban forestry and green cover expansion
  • Improved public transport and reduced vehicular emissions
  • Stringent control of industrial emissions

Officials attributed the success to proactive governance, public awareness, and the integration of environmental considerations into urban development.

“These results show that holistic and community-driven planning can reverse the tide of air pollution,” said an MoEFCC spokesperson.

Both cities implemented rooftop solar schemes, electric vehicle incentives, solid waste management upgrades, and smart traffic controls as part of their clean air action plans.

Experts have hailed this recognition as a blueprint for other cities aspiring to improve urban air quality and meet India’s climate goals.

With this milestone, Prayagraj and Varanasi are not only spiritual centres but now also symbols of sustainability, proving that development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.