Mathura (UP), Sept 2 (PTI) Mathura and Vrindavan, key pilgrimage centres associated with Lord Krishna’s life and legends, have been decked up with elaborate decorations and dazzling lights ahead of Janmashtami celebrations, officials said on Wednesday.
Special decorations have been put up at intersections and along major roads, particularly those leading to Krishna Janmabhoomi and other prominent temples, attracting pilgrims and tourists.
As part of ‘Shri Krishna Janmotsav-2026’, jointly organised by the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and the district administration, more than 1,000 artists from across the country are participating in cultural programmes at over two dozen small stages and around half a dozen major stages.
Devotees are being welcomed with performances featuring the melodious tunes of the been, while drum and nagara beats and vibrant folk dances are adding to the festive atmosphere.
Laxmi Nagappan, ex-officio chief executive officer of the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and vice-chairperson of the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority, said extensive cultural programmes were being organised by the council.
“The objective is not merely entertainment, but also to bring alive the rich folk traditions, music and art of Braj before devotees,” Nagappan said.
A three-day cultural festival also began at the Panchajanya auditorium in Dampier Nagar on Wednesday. Several prominent artistes, including Kanhiya Mittal, will perform programmes showcasing Krishna devotion and Braj culture over the next three days, she said.
Street performers have also been deployed at major roads and intersections, with around 350 artistes presenting performances using instruments such as been, dhol, nagara, daphli, shehnai, bela and tabla, Nagappan said.
The celebrations will also take to the skies this year, with the council organising its first special drone show in Mathura on the occasion of Janmashtami.
The show, featuring 500 drones, will be held from 9 pm to 10 pm on September 4. The drones will form various shapes depicting episodes and imagery associated with Lord Krishna’s leelas in the night sky, she said. PTI COR ABN MDO MDO
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