Radhashtami Festival in Mathura Begins with Grand Celebrations

The Radhashtami festival has started in Mathura, culminating in the main celebration at Ladli Ji Temple in Barsana. Highlights include a flower shower from a helicopter and elaborate security arrangements for devotees. The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad is enhancing Barsana Dhama with lights and gates.

The Radhashtami festival began in Mathura on Monday, with the main celebration for Radharani's birth set to take place at the Ladli Ji Temple in Barsana early Wednesday morning, according to the temple management.

The festival will be celebrated with grandeur, including a flower shower from a helicopter under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, an official statement said.

Preparations are underway for the grand celebration of Radharani's birth, following the recent festivities for Lord Krishna. On September 11, during Brahma Muhurta, a special Mahabhishek (ritual bathing) of Radharani will be performed. In the evening, she will be placed on a gold palanquin for devotees to view from beneath a white canopy.

The Radhashtami festival commenced on Monday with the 'abhishek' of Lalita Ji at the Lalita Temple atop a hill in Ucha Gaon. Devotees flocked to the temple as priests performed the 'abhishek' with 'panchamrit', including ghee, milk, curd, and honey.

Brajocharya Lalita Peeth's head, Goswami Krishnanand Tailang, said, ''The temple was filled with the sounds of bells and the chants of Lalita Sakhi and Radharani. Folk dances by the Gurjar community and devotional songs added to the atmosphere.'' District Magistrate (DM) Shailendra Kumar Singh said that Radharani's birth 'abhishek' will occur at 4 am on Wednesday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shailesh Kumar Pandey said, ''Over 2,500 police personnel will ensure security. The fair area in Barsana is divided into seven zones and 16 sectors, with 48 parking spaces, 46 barriers, and 52 CCTV cameras for monitoring.'' The authorities anticipate a large turnout of devotees, who will access the temple via routes, including Priya Kund, Sudama Chowk, and Peeli Kothi Tiraaha.

To manage the crowd, entry will be in groups of 50, and Gahwarvan Parikrama will be restricted, the officials said, adding that the elderly devotees will use a separate route.

Transport arrangements include 140 buses from Mathura, Govardhan, Chhata, and Kosi Kalan to Barsana. A ropeway facility will assist the elderly, disabled, women, and children in reaching the 600-foot-high temple, they added.

Officials advised devotees to bring minimal belongings, avoid bringing disabled or elderly individuals, and avoid pushing and shoving.

Sevayat Deepak Goswami said, ''Mangala Badhai singing will start at 2 am on September 11. The ceremony will begin with Shanti Puja, followed by 'mahabhishek' with water from 27 wells, soil from 27 Braj sites, leaves from 27 trees, and 108 herbs. The 'mahabhishek' will use 11 quintals of 'panchamrit' in 11 vessels, one with 27 holes.'' The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad is enhancing Barsana Dhama with lights and 51 gates showcasing various pastimes of Radharani.

(With inputs from agencies.)