Grand Celebrations of Lord Krishna's Birth in Mathura and Vrindavan

The sacred cities of Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh are set to celebrate Lord Krishna's 5251st birth anniversary with extended festivities and heightened security. The celebrations will span two days, on August 26 and 27, each with unique traditions, including fasting, prayers, and elaborate ceremonies.

The Hindu holy cities of Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh are preparing to celebrate the 5251st birth anniversary of Lord Krishna with grandeur and heightened security measures, officials, saints, and temple authorities reported on Tuesday.

Preparations are in place for the grand festival, with events scheduled at the Shri Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura and other prominent temples on the midnight of August 26. The following night, the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan will host Janmashtami celebrations in accordance with its lunar calendar tradition.

Saints detailed that devotees will observe a daytime fast on August 26, followed by midnight celebrations symbolized by breaking a cucumber and offering 'panjiri' made of coriander. On August 27, the Banke Bihari Temple's celebrations will include a special 'Mangala Aarti' at 2 am, as per their annual 'panchang.'

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Shailesh Kumar Pandey, mentioned that extensive security measures are being implemented. Up to 2,500 police personnel will be deployed to manage the large number of devotees expected from across the nation and abroad.

(With inputs from agencies.)