Janmashtami 2025: Mathura, Vrindavan Turn Fortress; Vehicle Entry Curbed, 5,000 Police Deployed
As lakhs of devotees flock to Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura and Vrindavan to celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the temple towns have been turned into a virtual fortress with over 5,000 police personnel deployed and more than 300 CCTV cameras monitoring the braj area.
Authorities have divided Mathura into four zones and 18 sectors to maintain order. Special security arrangements are in place at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Dwarkadheesh Temple, and Banke Bihari Temple, officials said.
Security and Restrictions
- Heavy vehicles banned from entering Mathura; movement restricted on roads leading to Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi.
- The Janmasthan temple complex has been divided into red, yellow, and green zones, with plain-clothed personnel, including women officers, deployed.
- Entry is only from the northern Govind Nagar gate, while the main gate is exit-only.
- Mobile phones, electronic devices, shoes, bags, lighters, and umbrellas are prohibited inside. Devotees have been urged to leave such items at their accommodation.
- Police and PAC teams have set up barricades at multiple points to screen visitors.
- Social media activity is also under strict watch.
Pilgrim Assistance
To help devotees, the police have launched a website — brajdham.co.in — providing information on temples, routes, restrictions, and guidelines.
The Railways have extended services and added temporary halts at Bhuteshwar station for several long-distance trains, including CSMT-Amritsar, Korba-Amritsar, Puri-Rishikesh, and Agra Cantt-New Delhi. The UPSRTC has also increased bus frequency between Mathura and Agra to manage the rush.
Janmashtami Celebrations
The Krishna Mahotsav 2025 began on Friday with a grand procession from the Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple, featuring 300–400 folk artistes. The procession passed through Deeg Gate, Roopam Cinema Tiraha, Govind Nagar police station, Mahavidya Colony, and Potra Kund before returning to the temple.
All major temples in Mathura and Vrindavan, as well as the Yamuna ghats, have been illuminated with colourful lights and decorated with flowers.
This year marks the 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.
