3k cops to guard Mathura as Shri Krishna Janmotsav to draw over 5 million devotees

Mathura Krishna Janmashtami

Mathura in Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for one of its biggest celebrations of the year, Shri Krishna Janmotsav, with security and arrangements scaled up as the authorities anticipate over five million devotees between Friday and Saturday. Pilgrims from across India are expected to visit the holy city, especially the key temples, Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex, Banke Bihari Temple, and Dwarkadheesh Temple, The Times of India reported.

"The district has been strategically divided into multiple sectors and zones to maintain strict surveillance and crowd control. Over 3,000 police personnel have been mobilised, supported by the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU), which is actively monitoring social media to avoid any untoward incidents. We hope that pilgrims have a hassle-free visit,” TOI quoted Mathura SSP Shlok Kumar as saying.

Preparations have also been made for VIP and emergency movement, with the newly inspected helipad at the Veterinary College grounds ready for use.

At the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex alone, 150 CCTV cameras have been installed, with another 100 covering nearby areas. For the first time, AI-powered drone cameras will be used to monitor gatherings from the sky, the report said.

The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad is organising the celebrations under the banner of ‘Shri Krishnotsav’, which will run from August 15 to 17. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also expected to be present in Mathura for two days of the festivities.

Nearby pilgrimage sites such as Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon, Govardhan, and Mahavan are also being decorated as roads leading to Janmasthan are adorned with displays showcasing Braj culture.

Special themes for Krishna JanmotsavThis year’s celebrations include a special tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, with the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex decorated on the theme of ‘Operation Sindoor’. The event will open on the morning of August 15 with a grand procession starting from the main gate of Shri Krishna Janmasthan, passing through Potra Kund, Govind Nagar, and Deeg Gate before returning to the starting point.

The colourful procession will combine devotion and patriotism, featuring around 250 folk artists from Braj, Bundelkhand, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Traditional performances like Bundelkhand’s Rai, Rajasthan’s Kachhi Ghodi, and Haryana’s Gujri will add vibrancy to the atmosphere.