Having fallen into disuse after a partial collapse,
Balaji Ghat came to life again on September 25, when Watch Day marked the beginning of a project to reconstruct the building’s upper stories, a joint effort of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the Scindia Devasthan Trust, and World Monuments Fund. The day’s activities began with a traditional puja ceremony. At the site, an exhibition of historic photographs of Balaji Ghat and Varanasi was on view, with information about the building’s history and significance, current condition, and proposals for reuse. A press conference took place, and a program to raise awareness of the city’s traditions and cultural legacy included a heritage walk and a demonstration of traditional crafts by local artisans. At night, a musical performance featuring traditional shehnai players took place, and Watch Day ended with an evening puja.
Watch Day activities took place where the collapsed upper stories of the building once stood, overlooking the Ganges River.
Watch Day at Balaji Ghat began with a traditional puja ceremony.
A press conference about the project was organized, explaining plans to reconstruct the collapsed section.
Young students and other guests participated in a heritage awareness program about the history and traditions of Varanasi.
A weaver demonstrates his craft during Watch Day at Balaji Ghat.
An artisan creating traditional clay sculptures during Watch Day.
In the evening, a traditional musical performance took place.
Deity Balaji at Balaji Ghat.
