LUCKNOW, Aug. 18 -- This year's Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura-Vrindavan drew nearly six million devotees and tourists, who gathered to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. The massive turnout set a new record for religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh, far exceeding last year's figure of 4.5 million. Thousands of international tourists from countries such as Canada, the United States, France, Russia, and Nepal also joined the festivities, lending a global dimension to the spiritual and cultural celebrations. The Uttar Pradesh tourism department and local administration made extensive preparations, setting up more than two dozen stages across Mathura and Vrindavan. These hosted Raslila performances, devotional music, and traditional dances, showcasing the region's rich folk traditions and earning wide appreciation from both domestic and international visitors. Prominent temples, including Banke Bihari Mandir, Prem Mandir, and ISKCON Vrindavan, witnessed long queues from early morning as devotees thronged for darshan and Mangala Aarti. Local hotels, markets, and transport services also reported a sharp surge in activity, reflecting the festival's significant economic impact. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, "This year's Janmashtami has reaffirmed Uttar Pradesh's position as a global religious tourism destination." Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, added that the blend of cultural showcases, heritage visits, and innovative decorations created a memorable experience for devotees and tourists alike. htc...