Over 1K artists to perform across Mathura-Vrindavan

Mathura: More than 1,000 artists from across India will perform in Mathura and Vrindavan as the twin pilgrimage centres gear up for elaborate Janmashtami celebrations.

Under ‘Shri Krishna Janmotsav-2026’, cultural programmes are being organised at more than two dozen small stages and around half a dozen major venues.

Major roads, intersections and routes leading to Krishna Janmabhoomi and prominent temples have been decorated with lights and installations.

Around 350 street performers will welcome devotees with the been, dhol, nagara, daphli, shehnai, bela and tabla, besides folk dances.

Laxmi Nagappan, CEO of the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and vice-chairperson of the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority, said the programmes were intended to showcase the folk traditions, music and art of Braj.

A three-day cultural festival has also begun at Panchajanya auditorium in Dampier Nagar, with several artists, including Kanhiya Mittal, scheduled to perform.

A major attraction this year will be Mathura’s first special Janmashtami drone show. Around 500 drones will take to the sky between 9 pm and 10 pm on September 4, creating formations depicting episodes and imagery associated with Lord Krishna’s leelas.