As Mathura gears up to celebrate the 5,252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna on August 16, authorities are preparing for an unprecedented influx of over 5 million devotees, surpassing last year’s 4.2 million visitors. The festivities, centered at the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura and Thakur Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan, will extend to Nandgaon on August 17, promising a vibrant display of devotion across Uttar Pradesh’s Braj region.
District Magistrate Chandraprakash Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar announced enhanced security measures to manage the massive crowds expected at pilgrimage centers, including Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Gokul, Nandgaon, Govardhan, and Mahavan. The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex alone has been equipped with 150 CCTV cameras, with over 100 more in surrounding areas. For the first time, AI-enabled drone cameras will monitor the festivities, supported by police deployments at major temples and sensitive locations.
Civic preparations are in full swing, with cleaning, road repairs, and beautification of routes underway to ensure a seamless experience. Intersections are being adorned to reflect the festive spirit, as authorities work on a war footing to accommodate the surge of pilgrims.
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The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, under the banner of ‘Shri Krishnotsav,’ has organized a three-day festival from August 15 to 17. Shyam Bahadur Singh, Vice-Chairman of the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority, detailed a grand procession on August 15, starting from Shri Krishna Janmasthan’s main gate and passing through Potra Kund, Govind Nagar, and Deeg Gate.
The event will blend devotional and patriotic themes, featuring 250 folk artists from Braj, Bundelkhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana performing traditional dances like Rai, Kachhi Ghodi, and Gujri. Musicians will play nagaras, dhols, shehnais, and manjiras, while bhajan groups from ISKCON Vrindavan and Man Mandir Barsana will amplify the spiritual fervor.
Amid concerns over crowd safety, the Bankey Bihari temple management has advised devotees to avoid bringing elderly individuals, children, pregnant women, or those with health conditions like diabetes or hypertension to Vrindavan, citing risks of overcrowding. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also expected to attend, with special arrangements in place for his visit.
As Mathura transforms into a hub of devotion, the robust security and festive preparations aim to ensure a safe and joyous Janmashtami for millions.
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