Varanasi and Mathura Brace for New Year Tourist Surge

As the New Year approaches, Varanasi and Mathura are witnessing a surge in tourist numbers. Authorities have implemented robust security measures to ensure a smooth celebration, including police patrols, road diversions, and CCTV monitoring. The historically significant regions attract crowds to religious sites for prayers and festivities.

Varanasi, known for its historical and spiritual significance, is experiencing a significant influx of tourists as the New Year approaches. Deputy Commissioner of Police Kashi Zone, Gaurav Banswal, has outlined a series of measures to ensure the celebrations remain smooth and secure. These include increased police patrols, strategic road diversions to manage traffic, and enhanced surveillance through CCTV monitoring in high footfall areas. The flooding of tourists began five days before the New Year, with local authorities actively working to maintain order.

The appeal of Varanasi's religious sites continues to draw huge crowds, with many visitors considering it auspicious to pray there for the New Year. Local residents speak to the importance of Kashi among sacred places, noting the large crowds heading to the Ganga Ghat for ritual baths followed by visits to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Similarly, in Mathura, another city known for its religious heritage, sites like Banke Bihari and Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi are seeing similar tourist attention.

In Mathura, the police have deployed substantial resources to handle the influx, including drones and additional security personnel to ensure a seamless experience for worshippers. SSP Shailesh Pandey emphasizes the comprehensive security plans in place to protect the anticipated large gatherings, highlighting the use of strategic parking arrangements and extra surveillance around major temples. As devotees from across the nation and abroad converge on Vrindavan to embark on the new year with darshan at these revered sites, both Varanasi and Mathura have geared up for safe and orderly celebrations.

(With inputs from agencies.)