Varanasi to charge event fees on Ganga ghats

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has decided to charge fees for events held on the Ganga ghats. Organisers will now need to pay ₹880 for each square metre of space used for their events. This change comes as the civic body updates its guidelines for social, cultural, and religious programs. Previously, organisers only needed to seek permission without any fee. Now, they must apply using the Smart Kashi app. Organisers are required to submit their applications at least 15 days before their events. They also need to include photographs of the chosen location and provide detailed event information. The applications will be reviewed by a zonal officer. The new system is expected to roll out in the coming days, aiming to streamline the event-organising process on the ghats.