Janmashtami rush: Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari temple issues strong advisory for devotees

With a massive turnout expected during this year’s Janmashtami celebrations, the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan has issued a strong advisory urging vulnerable devotees to avoid visiting the shrine, citing serious risks related to overcrowding and health hazards.

In a press note released on Wednesday, the temple warned that footfall on August 16 and 17, which are the main days of the Janmashtami fair, is likely to be exceptionally high. As reported by TOI, the advisory specifically asks elderly individuals, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and those with comorbidities such as high blood pressure and diabetes to refrain from visiting.

The warning comes as part of precautionary measures following the 2022 incident in which two devotees died and several others were injured during a stampede-like situation in the temple premises. The 161-year-old Banke Bihari shrine, which covers just 1,200 square feet, struggles to manage the sheer volume of worshippers it draws, which is about 50,000 on a regular day, over a lakh on weekends and more than five lakh during festivals.

The temple authorities cited the combination of intense heat, humidity and the ongoing monsoon season as a potentially dangerous mix for vulnerable groups, the temple said in its advisory.

While crowd control remains a pressing concern, celebrations in the Braj region will go ahead with much fanfare. A series of cultural programmes is scheduled from August 15 to 17, with performances by both local artists and renowned performers. According to TOI, a grand display of 5,100 oil lamps is planned across several prominent locations.

To add to the festive atmosphere, all major roads and intersections in Mathura-Vrindavan will be illuminated, with special façade lighting planned at three sites. Four decorative entry gates will also be erected to help channel the crowd. Additionally, 1,025 sanitation workers will be deployed in three shifts to maintain cleanliness throughout the festivities.

Security arrangements are being intensified as well. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mathura, Shlok Kumar, was cited by TOI as saying that additional police forces have been requested. “Efforts will be made to ensure smooth entry and exit for all devotees,” Kumar added.

Coordination is reportedly ongoing with priests from the Dwarkadhish temple and other nearby shrines to ensure smooth management. Crowd control measures such as holding areas and barricades will be installed from the entrance of Krishna Janmabhoomi to the Keshav Temple.