To take part in the famed Holi celebrations associated with the divine love of Radha and Lord Krishna, over 44 lakh devotees reportedly visited Mathura, Vrindavan and other sites in the Braj region this year. As per the officials, an additional five to six lakh devotees are expected to visit the region in the coming days.
According to the Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural), Suresh Chandra Rawat, the figure was based on inputs gathered from various events organised as part of the traditional Braj Holi festivities. "Devotees from across the country and abroad are continuing to arrive in Braj to participate in the celebrations," PTI quoted Rawat.
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The key attractions include devotees gathering to have darshan of Ladliji in Barsana, the Huranga festivities in Baldev and Jab villages on Chaitra Krishna Paksha Dwitiya, and the traditional Charkula dance in Mukharai village, believed to be the maternal village of Radha Rani.
To manage the crowd and ensure safety, the police have intensified action against miscreants accused of forcibly throwing gulal at women and creating disturbances during the festivities.
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“In the Govardhan and Magorra police station areas, 17 and nine persons respectively have been arrested for breach of peace and sent to jail. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety of devotees and the peaceful conduct of the Holi celebrations,” the ASP said.