Over 1,000 artists to perform at Mathura Janmashtami celebrations

Mathura and Vrindavan, the pilgrimage centres closely associated with the life and legends of Lord Krishna, have been decked up with elaborate decorations and dazzling lights ahead of Janmashtami celebrations, officials said on Wednesday, September 2.

Special decorations have been put up at intersections and along major roads, particularly those leading to Krishna Janmabhoomi and other prominent temples, adding to the festive atmosphere and drawing 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 artistes from across the country will take part in cultural programmes being held 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, along with drum and nagara beats and vibrant folk dances.

Laxmi Nagappan, ex-officio chief executive officer of the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and vice-chairperson of the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority, said the council had organised an extensive line-up of cultural programmes.

“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 over the next three days, showcasing Krishna devotion and the culture of Braj, she said.

Street performers have also been positioned at major roads and intersections, with around 350 artistes presenting performances using instruments including the been, dhol, nagara, daphli, shehnai, bela and tabla, Nagappan said.

The festivities will also have a high-tech attraction 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 different shapes in the night sky depicting episodes and imagery associated with Lord Krishna’s leelas, she said.

(With inputs from PTI)