‘Sir, madam’ with folded hands: UP Police told to greet Mahashivratri devotees

Ahead of Mahashivratri, Uttar Pradesh Police has directed personnel deployed at Kashi Vishwanath Dham to greet devotees with folded hands and address them respectfully as “sir” or “madam”.

In a move aimed at ensuring a smooth and respectful experience for pilgrims, the Uttar Pradesh Police has instructed its personnel to adopt a courteous approach during Mahashivratri at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi.

The directive follows a meeting held at the Trimbakeshwar Hall within the temple complex, where officials discussed police behaviour towards devotees. Personnel have been clearly told to refrain from using harsh or abusive language and to avoid any form of indecent behaviour. Authorities have warned that misconduct will invite strict disciplinary action.

Varanasi Commissioner of Police Mohit Agarwal said that an estimated 15–20 lakh devotees are expected to visit the temple on Sunday for Mahashivratri. To manage the anticipated crowd, police personnel have undergone soft skills training to improve communication and public interaction.

According to officials, all personnel stationed at entry points and within the temple premises will greet devotees with folded hands and address them as “sir” or “madam”. Special attention will be given to senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities to ensure they can complete their darshan without difficulty.

Senior officers will monitor the conduct of deployed personnel from the control room throughout the event. The initiative is part of broader crowd management and security preparations aimed at maintaining order while improving the overall pilgrimage experience during one of the busiest religious occasions in Varanasi.
(With PTI inputs)