Latest news with #Janmashtamifair
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Banke Bihari temple urges vulnerable devotees to skip Janmashtami visit
Agra: The Banke Bihari temple administration has issued an advisory urging devotees not to bring small children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and patients with comorbidities to the temple during Janmashtami celebrations due to the anticipated heavy influx of pilgrims. 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Drink Almond Milk Daily, This Is What Happens Well Being For All Learn More Undo 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.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Om Prakash takes charge as Rajkot collector
Rajkot: Om Prakash, a 2016-batch IAS officer, officially assumed charge as the 51st district collector and district magistrate of Rajkot, after a transfer order was issued by the state govt on June 17. Before this, he served as the municipal commissioner of Junagadh and held the position of deputy municipal commissioner in Ahmedabad. One of the immediate and significant challenges before him is overseeing the organization of Rajkot's renowned Janmashtami fair. In the wake of the TRP Game Zone fire tragedy, the authorities are implementing strict safety regulations for public events. Ride operators have been urging the administration to ease some restrictions. Addressing mediapersons, Om Prakash emphasized that public safety remains top priority. "We won't compromise on any policies during the Janmashtami fair. This fair holds great significance for the people of Rajkot. We will hold discussions with all stakeholders to arrive at a balanced and practical solution," he said. He also addressed the ongoing traffic issues on the Jetpur highway, which is currently under construction. Drawing on his experience from his previous posting, he remarked, "Having served in Junagadh before Rajkot, I am aware of the condition of this road. I will coordinate with the National Highways Authority of India to expedite the work."
