The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is set to implement a complete ban on plastic within its premises starting August 10, 2025. This decision, finalized during a Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust meeting on Sunday, July 6, 2025, aims to promote a clean and eco-friendly environment for the millions of devotees who visit the temple.

The ban will encompass all types of plastic items, including plastic packaging for flowers, milk, water, and garlands. Devotees will not be allowed to carry any plastic items inside the temple. Even thin plastic films and polythene commonly used in religious packaging will be strictly prohibited. Temple authorities will encourage visitors and vendors to use eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags, paper packaging, and natural materials.

To ensure a smooth transition, the temple administration is launching awareness campaigns throughout the holy month of Sawan, which began on July 11, 2025, and continues until August 9. These campaigns will inform and educate devotees about the new plastic-free rules via social media and on-site advisories. The goal is to encourage visitors to support the temple's sustainability mission.

The decision to ban plastic was initially resolved by the temple trust in December 2024. The implementation of this proposal, dubbed "Plastic Free Dham," was reviewed in a stakeholder meeting, which included shopkeepers, security and cleaning agencies, guest house operators, and other institutions within the Dham. While single-use plastics have already been prohibited, the complete ban is expected to further protect the temple environment and promote responsible practices.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Chief Executive Officer Vishwabhushan Mishra emphasized that the initiative aims to make the Dham pollution-free and a model for environmental protection. He also stated that devotees will not be allowed to enter the temple carrying any plastic material, including packaging used for offerings.

This ban is part of a broader environmental initiative by the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, aligning with the Uttar Pradesh government's push for sustainable practices at major pilgrimage sites. A spokesperson from the temple trust appealed to devotees and vendors to support the initiative by shifting to biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives. They emphasized that preserving the spiritual and environmental purity of Kashi is a shared responsibility.

The Kashi Vishwanath Dham authorities are building on the success of the single-use plastic ban implemented in 2024. The decision to strictly enforce a ban on all types of plastic containers within the shrine area was made after a recent stakeholder meeting focused on making the temple premises completely plastic-free. During Sawan, the use of plastic items will be discouraged to pave the way for the complete ban on August 10. Extensive publicity will be conducted through media, social media, and other means throughout Sawan to ensure the plan's success.