VARANASI, Jan. 29 -- For the third consecutive day, Kashi is witnessing an overwhelming influx of pilgrims arriving from the Prayagraj Kumbh. Boats, cruises, and hotels are packed to capacity, with an estimated 12 lakh people visiting Kashi on Monday alone. The rush was so intense that the Baba Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which usually closes at 10:30 pm, remained open until 1 am on Tuesday.

Amid the chaos, families carrying deceased loved ones for cremation faced significant challenges. Crowds on the road from Maidagin to Godaulia obstructed their path, but with police assistance, they managed to reach the Manikarnika Ghat entrance and proceed for the cremation rituals.

Traffic congestion added to the woes, with long queues of vehicles st...