VARANASI: A major religious event is taking place in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this weekend, bringing together priests, saints, and spiritual leaders from across India and beyond.

The grand conclave, which will run from December 1 to 2, will unite representatives from 51 Shaktipeeths and 12 Jyotirlingas, as well as spiritual leaders from countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and various Indian states.

Organised by the Centre for Sanatan Research and the Trident Seva Samiti Trust, the event will be held at the Rudraksha Convention Centre. Over 400 saints, mahants, and custodians of sacred shrines are expected to attend, with over 700 registrations already confirmed and more than 2,000 pending.

The event began on Friday with a 'Kalash Yatra,' a ceremonial procession from Chittaranjan Park to Kashi Vishwanath Dham. The formal opening ceremony on Saturday will be attended by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, while the closing ceremony on Sunday will feature Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The program will start with a 'mangalacharan,' a traditional prayer led by 101 Brahmins, accompanied by the sounds of drums and conches, symbolising the spirit of Sanatan Dharma.

Raman Tripathi, President of the Centre for Sanatan Research, highlighted that the primary aim of the conclave is to promote the values, teachings, and traditions of Sanatan Dharma through collaboration. Key topics of discussion will include issues such as encroachment on holy sites, threats to religious freedom, improving temple management, corruption, safety concerns, and the restoration of dilapidated temples.

The conclave will also focus on improving funding for temples, enhancing coordination among Shaktipeeths and Jyotirlingas, and directing resources toward education, healthcare, and community welfare.

This significant event aims to strengthen the collective influence of these spiritual centres and ensure that the principles of Sanatan Dharma continue to thrive globally.