Record 62.9 Million Devotees Visited During Adhik Maas
Vrindavan Today | Bureau Report:
15th June, 2026, Vrindavan: The Holy month of Purushottam (Adhik Maas) concluded on Monday with an extraordinary display of faith and devotion across the Braj region. The auspicious occasion of Somvati Amavasya witnessed millions of devotees participating in charity, temple visits, parikrama, and community feasts, bringing the month-long spiritual observances to a grand conclusion.
The epicenter of the celebrations was Govardhan, where an estimated 24.9 million devotees performed the revered 21-kilometre circumambulation of Govardhan Hill during the holy month. The flow of pilgrims was so immense that, on the final day, there was scarcely any space left along the parikrama route.
Across Braj, including Vrindavan, Govardhan, Baldev, Barsana, and Radha Kund, an estimated 62.9 million pilgrims arrived during the month for darshan, worship, and participation in the traditional Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama. The air resonated continuously with chants of “Radhe Radhe,” creating an atmosphere of intense spiritual fervor.
The concluding day saw an unprecedented surge of devotees at all major pilgrimage centres. Roads, temple entrances, and narrow sections of the parikrama route remained heavily congested as pilgrims thronged the sacred sites. Despite extensive preparations, the sheer scale of the gathering stretched administrative arrangements to their limits.
Authorities deployed additional security personnel to manage the crowds and maintain law and order. According to Rural Superintendent of Police Suresh Chandra Rawat, extra police forces were stationed at sensitive locations to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims. Along the Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama route, security arrangements included 25 inspectors, 60 sub-inspectors, and approximately 350 police personnel.
District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh stated that administrative teams had been deployed sector-wise to handle the massive influx of devotees and provide necessary support services.
The remarkable turnout during Purushottam Maas further underscores Braj’s growing importance as one of India’s foremost spiritual destinations. Official figures indicate that 95.5 million pilgrims visited Mathura in 2025, compared with 83.5 million in 2024 and 79.0 million in 2023, reflecting a steady rise in religious tourism and pilgrimage to the land associated with Lord Krishna.
As the sacred month came to a close, the overwhelming participation of devotees once again demonstrated the enduring spiritual appeal of Braj, where centuries-old traditions continue to inspire millions from across India and around the world.
