Virtual darshan for Radha Ashtami in UP’s Mathura

Mathura : To avoid overcrowding and the danger of a stampede or other unforeseen occurrences during the Radha Ashtmi festivities on September 3-4, the district administration in Mathura has chosen to organise a virtual darshan.

Last month, two individuals died as a result of asphyxia at the Banke Bihari shrine on Janmashtami as pandits have deliberately kept the darshan system unorganised to make money from the devotees in the name of special darshan etc.

Navneet Chahal, the District Magistrate, stated that every effort would be taken to prevent any stampede or other mishaps, and that the crowd throng at the venue will be kept moving at all times.

LED displays will be installed to display virtual darshan of the deities. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked the administration to provide security for visiting devotees as well as all available comforts.

As a result, the administration has deployed twice as many police officers this year as in prior years. Plain clothes cops and the PAC will be stationed to deter small crimes such as chain-snatching and pick-pocketing.

ASP Mathura Abhishek Yadav said, “The mela grounds have been separated into six zones and 16 sectors for security purposes. CCTV cameras and drone cameras will be utilised to monitor the area. From September 3, a special traffic plan will be implemented, and no three-wheelers, four-wheelers, or other big vehicles will be permitted in the mela area. This time, more parking lots have been built though private parking lot demand over Rs 100 for parking vehicles.

In-charge of the Mathura station, Santosh Kumar Agarwal said, a decision has been made to run 100 more buses for Barsana on September 3 and 4.

The number of additional buses can be raised as needed. These two days have been designated as no holidays for bus drivers and assistants. The Nandgaon Goswami clan will arrive in Barsana on September 3 and play songs at the temple. Darshan will be permitted from 9 p.m. until 10 p.m., after which the temple will close. Songs will be performed at 2 a.m. on September 4 to commemorate the deity’s ‘birth,’ following which another darshan will be granted from 4.30 a.m. until 6 a.m. Darshan will be permitted once again after 15 minutes.