3 CMs at BJP's mega holi show in Barsana on Feb 24

AGRA: After last year’s grand Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya, the Yogi Adityanath government has now decided to celebrate the festival of colours with great pomp and show in Barsana. For this, the government has already sent out invitation to the chief ministers of two BJP-ruled states — Manohar Lal Khattar (Haryana) and N Biren Singh (Manipur). Besides the two CMs, a host of VIPs, including several UP ministers, will take part in the “historic” Barsana Holi.

Like ‘Deepotsav’ in Ayodhya, the state government has planned two days of festivities titled ‘Rangotsav’ (festival of colours) on February 23 and 24 in Mathura and Barsana, the birthplace of Lord Krishna and Radha, respectively. The event is being organised almost a week ahead of holi, which falls on March 2 this year, as the festival goes on for seven days in Barsana.

According to officials, several quintals of red rose petals and marigold are being used for decorating temples in Mathura and Vrindavan. Nearly 50 kg of rose petals will be sprinkled on dignitaries during the ‘pushp varsha’ and according to tourism department officials, a chopper will be used for the exercise. Also, all temples in Barsana will be illuminated with decorative lights to enhance their beauty.

Officials said that Barsana will be beautified with flowers, props, balloons, satin flags and rangoli. “The ambience of holi will reflect on the streets of Barsana and various colours will be used at multiple locations in the city, including the venue of the traditional latthmaar holi,” said Mathura tourism officer

DK Sharma

.

The chief minister will also attend the cultural event titled ‘Braj Holi Rasotsav’ which is being organised by Mathura MP and actor Hema Malini on Feb 23 at the Veterinary University. Later, Yogi will also visit

Krishna Janam Bhoomi

and Hari Har Ashram in Vrindavan on the next day.

The chief minister is also scheduled to address a public meeting amid holi celebrations at Radha Bihari Inter College on Sunday.

Mathura senior superintendent of police Swapnil Mangain told TOI that elaborate security arrangements are being made and the city has been divided into 20 zones and 40 sectors to ensure safety of people and dignitaries for those two days. He said while ASPs will be in-charge of each zone, each sector will be supervised by a deputy superintendent. Nearly 80 officers, including 4 IPS, are being deputed for the two days of festivities.

The SSP said that five companies of PAC, one company of flood PAC (deputed along water bodies) and one unit of ATS have been requisitioned by the district police for two days due to major

VVIP

movement. He said around 2,500 policemen along with six units of mounted police will be on duty.

“For smooth traffic movement, 100 traffic police personnel, including 50 from nearby districts, will be deputed,” Mangain said.