Cremation, Ganga aarti spots shifted in Varanasi as swollen Ganga river inundates lower steps

Recent heavy rains in the area have caused a rise in the Ganga water level, leading to the suspension of cremations on the lower steps of Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats. Water police in-charge Mithilesh Yadav stated that cremations are now taking place on the upper steps due to flooding. The site for 'Ganga aarti' has been relocated to the upper steps of the Dashashwamedh Ghat as water levels have encroached on the usual aarti area.