5 million devotees expected in Mathura for Janmashtami, security tightened

Over 5 million devotees are expected in Mathura for Janmashtami, with security stepped up at major temples and pilgrimage centers. Preparations include 150 CCTV cameras, AI-enabled drone cameras, and police personnel stationed across the city. The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad has planned a three-day festival with a grand procession featuring devotional and patriotic themes, traditional dances, and music. Devotees are urged to avoid bringing vulnerable individuals to Vrindavan due to expected massive crowds.

Mathura, India — As the 5,252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna approaches, the city of Mathura is gearing up for a grand celebration of Janmashtami. The festivities, set to commence at midnight on August 16, are expected to attract over 5 million devotees, marking a significant increase from last year's 4.2 million visitors [1].

To ensure the safety and security of the massive crowd, extensive preparations are underway. The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex alone has installed 150 CCTV cameras, with an additional 100 cameras positioned in the surrounding areas. For the first time, AI-enabled drone cameras will also be deployed for surveillance. Police personnel will be stationed across the city, particularly at major temples and sensitive locations [1].

In addition to security measures, civic works such as cleaning, road repairs, beautification of routes, and decoration of intersections are being carried out on a war footing. The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, which is organizing the celebrations under the banner of 'Shri Krishnotsav', has planned a three-day festival from August 15 to 17. The festivities will begin on the morning of August 15 with a grand procession featuring devotional and patriotic themes, traditional dances, and music [1].

The procession will combine traditional dances such as Bundelkhand’s Rai, Rajasthan’s Kachhi Ghodi, and Haryana’s Gujri, and will feature performances by about 250 folk artists from Braj, Bundelkhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Musicians will play nagaras, dhols, shehnais, damrus, and manjiras, while bhajan groups from various temples will spread devotional fervour [1].

In light of the expected massive crowds, the management of the Bankey Bihari temple has urged devotees to avoid bringing vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and patients suffering from blood pressure or diabetes to Vrindavan during Janmashtami, to prevent any untoward incidents [1].

References:
[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/over-5-million-devotees-expected-in-mathura-for-janmashtami-security-stepped-up-101754802464857.html