MATHURA, Aug 16: This year’s Janmashtami festival turned out to be historic for Mathura-Vrindavan, drawing an unprecedented gathering of devotees and tourists.
While last year saw over 4.5 million pilgrims, this year’s count surged nearly 6 million by 6 PM on
the festival day, creating a new benchmark in Uttar Pradesh’s religious tourism.
As chants of “Nand ke Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki” echoed through the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Brajdham transformed into a global center of devotion.
The presence of thousands of international visitors from Canada, USA, France, Russia, and Nepal gave the festivities a distinctly international character, further cementing Brajdham’s place on the world’s religious tourism map.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and the local administration made extensive preparations to immerse the city in the grandeur of the festival.
Nearly 21 small and 5 grand stages were set up across Mathura and Vrindavan, where thousands
of artists performed Raslila, devotional songs, traditional dances, and Krishna Janm Leela. These vibrant cultural showcases not only enthralled devotees but also gave Braj’s folk culture a strong global platform.
Hotels, transport services, and local markets witnessed remarkable economic activity, making the festival not just spiritually uplifting but economically rewarding for the state.
Prominent temples including Banke Bihari Mandir, Prem Mandir, and ISKCON Vrindavan witnessed long queues of devotees right from the morning hours, with thousands waiting for darshan and the special Mangala Aarti. The surge of pilgrims at these iconic shrines showcased the deep spiritual magnetism of Brajdham.
The entire Braj region was decorated with vibrant lights, thematic installations, and floral displays that turned the city into a glowing spectacle. The colorful ambience and illuminated decorations became a major attraction, luring visitors and giving the celebrations a festive grandeur.
UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “The record-breaking turnout of devotees this Janmashtami proves that Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the global hub of religious tourism. Our government ensured that every devotee experienced ease, safety, and devotion at every step. From Raslila and bhajans to vibrant dance and Janm Leela performances, thousands of artists brought Braj’s culture alive for millions of visitors. This festival was not only a spiritual celebration but also a momentous boost for our economy and tourism.”
The Lord Krishna idol at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi was adorned with special attire crafted over six months by artisans of Mathura, using threads of gold and silver interwoven with the seven colors of the rainbow. The divine appearance left devotees spellbound.
The temple was decorated under the theme ‘Operation Sindoor’, with vibrant sindoor-colored floral arrangements sourced from Kolkata and Bengaluru. The grandeur of this decoration elevated the spiritual and cultural aura of the festival, reinforcing Mathura’s stature as a global destination for religious tourism.
Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, said, “The ‘Operation Sindoor’ theme and Braj’s folk art performances offered devotees an unparalleled and unforgettable experience. A large number of visitors also explored Mathura’s Government Museum, local art hubs, and heritage sites in Vrindavan and Gokul. Janmashtami this year has not only celebrated devotion but also strengthened Braj’s position as a hub for cultural and heritage tourism.”
The unprecedented footfall also created thousands of seasonal employment opportunities and boosted demand for local goods, crafts, and hospitality services.
As Janmashtami 2025 concludes, Uttar Pradesh has once again demonstrated how faith, culture,
and strategic planning together can transform a festival into a historic milestone for tourism and economic growth.
(UNI)
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