Varanasi: The first phase of the Kashi Sansad Tourist Guide Competition-2026 concluded on Friday.The competition was organised for participants above 18 years of age in Sevapuri, Arajiline and Kashi Vidyapith development blocks, as well as across all five city zones. More than 26,000 participants registered online for the event.On the second day, competitions were held in three categories—presentation and declamation, essay writing and reel making—based on 10 themes.A total of 9,868 participants took part in the contests, of whom 320 were declared winners.In Sevapuri block, 2,332 participants competed and 40 were selected as winners. Arajiline recorded 1,986 participants, with 40 winners, while Kashi Vidyapith saw 1,517 participants and 40 winners.Among the city zones, Adampur recorded 788 participants and 40 winners. Bhelupur had 808 participants, while Dashashwamedh saw 646 contestants, with 40 winners selected in each zone. In Kotwali zone, 40 winners were chosen from 1,065 participants, while Varunapar recorded 726 participants and 40 winners.The winners selected during the competitions held on Thursday and Friday will advance to the district-level final round, scheduled to be held on July 23 and 24 at Sant Atulanand Convent School, Koirajpur.