Varanasi: Ahead of the IAF air show, the state govt has launched an extensive beautification drive across Kashi, transforming the route from Babatpur Airport to Namo Ghat with murals, decorative lighting, uniform building facades and cultural motifs.As part of the drive, walls along key stretches are being painted with images of the Ganga, riverfront scenes and the iconic ghats. Buildings will showcase Subah-e-Banaras, Ganga Aarti and visuals reflecting Kashi’s rich traditions of art, music, dance and spirituality.Varanasi Development Authority vice-chairman Purn Bora said the initiative aims to showcase the city’s heritage while providing visitors with an organised and memorable visual experience. Shops and buildings along the stretch from Chaukaghat to Namo Ghat are being painted in a uniform colour to create a coordinated appearance.Namo Ghat Road will feature decorative motif lights, while pillars bearing cultural motifs are being installed on the Chaukaghat bridge. Dividers along the Namo Ghat stretch will display flags featuring the damru, trishul and Om symbols, reflecting the spiritual identity of Lord Shiva’s city.Facade lighting is also being installed on trees, poles, bridges and buildings. The plan includes spiral streetlights and strip lights on electric poles to enhance the corridor’s appearance after dark.Lighting installations are underway along the stretch from Babatpur Airport to Atulanand, while divider painting is being carried out from Babatpur to the flyover. Painting work is also in progress at Namo Ghat and Gaya Ghat.Once completed, the illuminated corridor leading to Namo Ghat is expected to offer visitors arriving for the proposed air show a striking introduction to Kashi’s cultural heritage and architectural character.
