A group of Varanasi residents has launched a campaign called “Operation Belpatra” to protest against the recent restrictions on darshan (temple visit) at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Named after the sacred leaf offered to Lord Shiva, the movement seeks to restore unfettered access for local devotees to one of Hinduism’s holiest shrines.

Campaign volunteers move across the city daily, distributing pamphlets and handbills to raise awareness and mobilise public support. They are demanding the rollback of the new entry system, which includes a ₹250 fee for quicker access and limited free slots, which involve long waiting hours.

“Earlier, we used to visit the temple anytime from early morning to late evening according to our convenience, but now there is a ticket of ₹250 for every visit. There is also a slot for a free visit, but one has to stand in line for hours to reach it. Belief is on sale now in Varanasi.

“Nobody stops the VIPs, and the rich people pay even a higher fee to enter the sanctum sanctorum and touch the god. But those who cannot pay anything will have to wait in a queue and then pay obeisance to the god from a distance,” said Dilip Singh, a social worker, who is among the organisers of this campaign, which was started on August 18 and continues every day.

“Our demand from the administration is to allow the local people to visit the temple any time during the day and offer prayers. They can check our Aadhaar cards if there is a security concern. But we shouldn’t be deprived of our god in the name of better management because the officer’s actual focus is on making money in the name of god,” he said, adding: “We will move high court if our demand is ignored for long.”