Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed authorities to ensure that the festival of Sri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on a grand note with traditional devotion across the state, including all reserve police lines, police stations, and prisons.
As part of the preparations, the Chief Minister has emphasised the need for robust security, cleanliness, and logistical arrangements during the Krishna Leela events, tableaus, and processions. He has ordered the deployment of adequate police forces at crowded locations to ensure public safety.
In line with these directives, DG Jail Rama Shastri of the Uttar Pradesh Prison Administration and Reform Services has issued orders for the traditional celebration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami in all state prisons.
The CM issued the necessary guidelines to the officials on Sunday regarding the Janmashtami festival. He said that Janmashtami is celebrated with great reverence and pomp in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, in which lakhs of devotees from the country and abroad participate.
He highlighted the sensitive nature of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah Mosque sites, which have been on the radar of ISI and various terrorist organisations. He called for special attention to be given to security arrangements in the area.
The CM also underscored the importance of preventing disputes during worship and processions. He pointed out that conflicts often arise over the decoration of tableaus at disputed sites, disagreements over procession routes, and the organisation of non-traditional events. Additionally, the use of loudspeakers during processions, particularly when they pass near religious sites of other communities, has previously led to controversies.
To avoid such situations, Yogi directed that all necessary arrangements be made with sensitivity. He also mandated the videography of processions for security purposes, ensuring that all CCTV cameras along the procession routes and at event venues are operational. Furthermore, drone cameras should be deployed to monitor key sensitive areas.
He further instructed that a comprehensive list of Leela Sthals, Pandals, Temples, and Shobha Yatras be compiled for each district, with a well-coordinated police arrangement in place. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of robust security and traffic management, taking into account the anticipated number of devotees expected to attend these events.
CM Yogi made it clear that no new traditions should be introduced under any circumstances. He ordered the updating of lists containing the names of anti-social and communal elements, stressing that strict action should be taken against such individuals if necessary.
Highlighting the large-scale programs held at Police Llines and ISKCON temples across districts, where a significant number of devotees, including women, children, and the elderly, participate, he called for effective security measures and traffic management by district officials to ensure the safe conduct of these events.
The Chief Minister also addressed the need for preemptive measures to handle potential disputes. He directed that police and revenue department officers should review any past or current disputes related to the Janmashtami festival, study the situation thoroughly, and take the necessary action to defuse tension.
CM Yogi urged clear communication with subordinate staff, instructing them to proactively investigate all disputes within their assigned areas. He also recommended that senior officers, including the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Sub-District Magistrate, and Circle Officer, personally visit sites with potential disputes to resolve them promptly.
The CM directed that police parties should be sent out regularly for patrolling and checking in all districts. He emphasised that morning patrol units (poster parties) should conduct thorough checks to ensure that no objectionable posters are displayed in public areas. He reminded the police department of its tradition of celebrating this festival with dignity and joy, underscoring the importance of maintaining these values during the festivities.
In addition to security measures, he stressed the need for the festival to be celebrated in a traditional and respectful manner. He firmly stated that no indecent dance programs should be allowed during the celebrations. He instructed the police commissioners, district in-charges, and commanders to closely monitor all planned programs in advance and ensure that no indecent or obscene dialogues or dances take place during the festivities.
