Actor and bodybuilder A.V. Ravi, known as Gym Ravi, recently organised a Kashi pilgrimage for 101 individuals. Hailing from Kolar, Ravi is an international bodybuilding champion, Mr. India titleholder, and recipient of the Ekalavya Award. He also acted as the lead in the film Purushottama.
This initiative was driven by a personal reason—Ravi’s father had long wished to visit Kashi but could not. To fulfill that unfulfilled desire, Ravi resolved 14 years ago to arrange the pilgrimage for underprivileged individuals in his father’s name. That commitment was realised now, with 101 participants taken on an air journey to Kashi.
Participants, selected from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, were provided transport from their hometowns to Bengaluru airport. There, they were served breakfast before flying to Ayodhya. On arrival, they received refreshments, and each person was gifted new clothes—sarees for women and dhotis for men—for temple visits.
Kannada-speaking police officer Chennappa arranged special darshan at Ayodhya with the support of local police. From Ayodhya, the group traveled by special bus to Kashi. Accommodation was provided at Jangamwadi Mutt, near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where 45 air-conditioned rooms were arranged along with food and lodging.
The team visited key temples including Annapoorna Temple and participated in rituals like pinda pradhana on the banks of the Ganga. They also attended the evening Ganga Aarti. The following day was designated for rest, during which Ravi and his team assisted the pilgrims and later took them shopping, also providing some funds for expenses.
Return travel arrangements were made to bring all participants back to Bengaluru and then to their respective hometowns. The journey was completed without any health or logistical issues.
Ravi acknowledged the support of Income Tax Commissioner Janardhan, Ayodhya-based officer Somanna, Sriraghavendra Chitravani, former MLA Masale Jayaram, Madan of Navaratan Palace, and Chascon MD Sheela, among others.
This is reportedly the first such air pilgrimage of this scale conducted by an individual from Karnataka.