New Year temple rush: Khatu Shyam cancels VIP darshan; Banke Bihari urges devotees to avoid Vrindavan till Jan 5

• Vrindavan temple advises avoiding visits from Dec 29 to Jan 5 due to crowds.
• Khatu Shyam Temple allows uninterrupted darshan; 17-km stretch is vehicle-free.
• Strict security and traffic curbs for New Year temple visits

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As temples across north India brace for a massive New Year influx, authorities are stepping up crowd control, security and convenience measures to ensure smooth darshan while prioritising devotee safety.

In Vrindavan, the management of the Thakur Banke Bihari Temple has issued an advisory asking devotees to avoid visiting the town from December 29 to January 5 unless it is absolutely necessary. The appeal comes in view of the heavy rush expected during the New Year period.

On the other hand, the famous Khatu Shyam Temple in Sikar, Rajasthan has announced that the darshan will continue uninterrupted in the temple on December 30, 31 and January 1.

Special decorations will be carried out across the temple premises to mark the occasion. In addition, arrangements for drinking water have been made along the entire darshan route to ensure the convenience of devotees during long waiting hours.

On December 31 and January 1, the 17-kilometre stretch from Ringas to Khatu will remain a complete no-vehicle zone. During this period, only pedestrians and emergency service vehicles will be permitted to use the route.

To manage the large crowds, around 3,000 security personnel have been deployed across the fair area. Security staff will remain stationed at all key points throughout the fairgrounds.

VIP darshan has been completely prohibited during the New Year fair. Devotees will only be allowed darshan as per the standard protocol.

Vrindavan advisory and restrictions

In Vrindavan, where lakhs of pilgrims are expected to arrive to seek the blessings of Thakur Banke Bihari Ji, the temple management and local administration have issued advisories and imposed restrictions to manage the anticipated surge.

Munesh Sharma, the manager of the Thakur Banke Bihari Temple, said in an advisory that devotees should avoid visiting Vrindavan until January 5 due to increased crowd pressure at the temple and in the surrounding areas.

“Devotees should visit Vrindavan only if unavoidable until January 5. Otherwise, they are advised to postpone their visit. The crowd is expected to remain very heavy as many people come during this period to seek blessings of Thakur Banke Bihari Ji,” Sharma said.

The advisory also listed several safety guidelines for those who still plan to visit. Devotees have been asked to carry minimal luggage and avoid bringing valuables. They should follow announcements made through the public address system and strictly use the designated entry and exit routes at the temple. Visitors have also been advised to leave their footwear only at the designated spots along the route.

Traffic curbs and safety measures in Vrindavan

To manage the heavy rush, the district and police administration have put several traffic restrictions in place. Entry of heavy vehicles into Vrindavan has been completely banned during this period. Only a limited number of e-rickshaws are being allowed to operate inside the town.

Light vehicles are also facing restrictions and are being diverted to designated parking zones at the entry points of Vrindavan. Mathura Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar said parking arrangements have been made for around 7,000 vehicles at these locations.

“We are expecting lakhs of devotees, especially in Vrindavan. No heavy vehicles will be allowed inside the town,” the SSP was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying.

He added that the Mathura Nagar Nigam has prepared a traffic plan to regulate the movement of e-rickshaws on roads leading to major temples, ashrams and other religious places.

Devotees have also been advised to remain alert against pickpocketing and to carry a slip with their name and identity details in their pocket.