The city of Lord Shiva is set to earn a fresh identity on India's cricket map. Uttar Pradesh's third international cricket stadium, under construction in the Ganjari area of Varanasi, has now entered the final stretch of its build. What makes it stand out is its design — the entire venue is being shaped around a Lord Shiva theme, a concept that organisers say makes it the most unique stadium of its kind in the world.
How far the work has come
According to figures tied to the project, 92 percent of the stadium's construction is already finished. The remaining 8 percent is expected to be wrapped up over the next two and a half months — that is, by August. Once that is done, the ground will host a trial match, which is slated for December.
Speaking to TrendKia, Project Director Saroj Shukla said the pending work would be completed by 31 August, after which the stadium will be handed over to the BCCI. He added that while the venue was originally planned for a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators, that figure has now been raised to 32,000.
Shiva motifs in every corner
A single look at the ground is meant to evoke Kashi and Lord Shiva. The design features shapes dear to Shiva — the damru, the trishul, the crescent moon and the bel leaf. The stadium's roof is being built in a half-moon form, mirroring the way the crescent adorns Lord Shiva's forehead. At present, work on the damru-shaped media gallery is moving at a brisk pace.
The finer architectural touches carry the soul of Banaras too. The stadium's steps have been modelled on the stairs of the city's famous ghats. Differently-abled spectators have also been kept in mind — lifts have been installed so they can reach the viewing gallery with ease and enjoy the match.
The 100-tonne trishul floodlights
The stadium's most striking feature is its lighting. Four floodlights shaped like a trishul have been installed around the ground, with a combined weight of 100 tonnes. Project Director Saroj Shukla said they were put up in five stages and are currently undergoing testing.
A Rs 451 crore project
The total cost of building the stadium is running to Rs 451 crore. Together, the Shiva theme, the ghat-style steps, the trishul lighting and the crescent roof are set to make it far more than just a cricket ground — a living symbol of Kashi's cultural heritage.
