Radhashtami 2024: Grand Celebrations Begin at Mathura’s Ladli Ji Temple in Barsana

Mathura: Radhashtami, celebrating the birth anniversary of Radharani, will be observed in Mathura on September 11, 2024, just 15 days after Janmashtami. The festival will kick off with vibrant decorations at temples, including the Ladli Ji Temple in Barsana. Devotees will offer prayers and sing bhajans in honor of Radharani.

The Radhastami festival will commence with the 'abhishek' at 4 a.m. on Wednesday at the Lalita Temple atop a hill in Ucha Gaon. Devotees will flock to the temple as priests perform the 'abhishek' with 'panchamrit,' including ghee, milk, curd, and honey, along with a flower shower from a helicopter. 

Mangala Badhai singing will start at 2 a.m. on September 11. The ceremony will begin with Shanti Puja, followed by 'maha abhishek' using water from 27 wells, soil from 27 Braj sites, leaves from 27 trees, and 108 herbs. The 'maha abhishek' will involve 11 quintals of 'panchamrit' in 11 vessels, one with 27 holes.

To ensure smooth and secure Radhashtami celebrations, authorities will issue traffic and security advisories for the event. 

The fair area in Barsana will be divided into seven zones and 16 sectors, featuring 48 parking spaces, 46 barriers, and 52 CCTV cameras for enhanced monitoring. Over 2,500 police personnel will be deployed to maintain order, with temple entry regulated in groups of 50. 

The Gahwarvan Parikrama will be restricted, and a separate route will be designated for elderly devotees. Transport will be facilitated by 140 buses from Mathura, Govardhan, Chhata, and Kosi Kalan to Barsana, and a ropeway will assist the elderly, disabled, women, and children in reaching the 600-foot-high temple. 

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shailesh Kumar Pandey will advise devotees to bring minimal belongings, avoid bringing disabled or elderly individuals, and avoid pushing and shoving.

The temple will be filled with the sounds of bells and the chants of Lalita Sakhi and Radharani. Folk dances by the Gurjar community and devotional songs will enhance the atmosphere. 

The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad will be enhancing Barsana Dhama with lights and 51 gates showcasing various pastimes of Radharani.