Banke Bihari temple urges vulnerable devotees to skip Janmashtami visit
In a press note released on Wednesday, the temple said that on August 16 and 17, when the Janmashtami fair is scheduled, crowd density at Vrindavan's Banke Bihari temple is expected to be extremely high. The administration cited health risks posed by the combination of intense heat, humidity, and the ongoing rainy season, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with diabetes or high blood pressure.
The advisory was issued as part of precautionary measures to prevent health hazards and crowd-related incidents similar to what occurred in Aug 2022, when at least two devotees were killed and several injured due to overcrowding at the temple.
In addition to the temple advisory, a series of cultural programmes will be held across Braj on Aug 15, 16, and 17, featuring performances by local and renowned artists. A display of 5,100 oil lamps is also planned across the region.
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To enhance the festive atmosphere, all major roads and intersections in Mathura-Vrindavan will be decorated with lighting, including façade illumination at three locations. Four large entry gates will be constructed to guide the flow of pilgrims, and 1,025 sanitation workers will be deployed in three shifts to maintain hygiene.
Security arrangements are also being stepped up. SSP Mathura Shlok Kumar said additional police force has been requested and coordination is underway with priests from Dwarkadhish temple and other local shrines.
On Janmashtami day, crowd control measures such as holding areas and barricades will be implemented from the entrance of Krishna Janmabhoomi to Keshav Temple. "Efforts will be made to ensure smooth entry and exit for all devotees," Kumar said.
The 161-year-old Banke Bihari temple, spread over just 1,200 square feet, typically receives around 50,000 devotees daily, with footfall crossing 1 lakh on weekends and over 5 lakh on festivals, making crowd control and safety a major concern.
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