Mathura, the sacred city where Lord Krishna is believed to have been born, is preparing for a spectacular three-day celebration of Sri Krishna Janmotsav from August 15 to 17, 2025. On August 16, Janmashtami, the primary event, will be celebrated, attracting followers from all across India and overseas.
The UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is spearheading the grand event. More than 400 folk artists will perform traditional “raas,” “bhajan,” and “nritya” at the twenty-one smaller venues and five giant stages.
Five Mega Stages, 21 Smaller Ones
Apart from Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi, the epicenter of festivities, other major venues include
- Panchjanya Auditorium Programmes on August 16 & 17 from 2 pm to 7 pm.
- Chaurasi Khamba Temple, Mahawan—Performances on August 17 from 4 pm to 8 pm.
- Baldev Temple—Large-scale cultural presentations.
Geeta Shodh Sansthan, Vrindavan—Devotional events and research-based presentations on Krishna’s teachings.
At the 21 smaller stages across Mathura, street performers will fill the air with the sounds of been, damru, dhap, dhol, and sarangi, offering a truly immersive Braj experience. The largest crowd-drawer is anticipated to be the huge Shobhayatra (procession) surrounding Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi.
Nandotsav: The Joyful Culmination
The celebrations will end with Nandotsav at Nandgaon, the village where Lord Krishna spent his childhood after his birth. Known for its exuberant festivities, Nandotsav will feature music, dance, and distribution of sweets in a symbolic celebration of Krishna’s arrival.
Special Darshan Timings for Devotees
Kapil Sharma, secretary of the Sri Krishna Janmasthan Sewa Sansthan, announced extended darshan hours for devotees—from 5:30 am on Saturday, August 16, until 1:30 am on Sunday, August 17. This extended window is expected to accommodate thousands of pilgrims visiting for Janmashtami.
In a patriotic touch, this year’s celebrations will honor the Indian Army’s recent Operation Sindoor. The Pushp-Bangla—a floral throne where Lord Krishna’s idol will be placed—has been named “Sindoor Pushp Bangla” as a tribute to the armed forces.
Shyam Bahadur Singh, CEO of the UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, highlighted that the theme not only connects devotion with patriotism but also reflects the spirit of national pride.
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Security and Crowd Management
A high-level team including ADG Agra Zone Anupam Kulshrestha, Commissioner Agra Division Shailendra Kumar, and IG Agra Range, along with Mathura’s DM and SSP, reviewed preparations at Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi on Tuesday.
Security will be tight, with regulated entry, traffic diversions, and multiple checkpoints to ensure smooth crowd flow during the three-day celebration.
