Authorities buckle up for Yam Dwitiya festival in Mathura

The Mathura district administration has made elaborate arrangements in anticipation of huge crowd at Vishram Ghat in Yamuna for mass bathing tomorrow on the occasion of 'Yam Dwitiya'.
Lakhs of people take the customary bath in the Yamuna on Bhai Dooj.
"Pilgrims, in groups of brother and sister, take a holy dip in river Yamuna on the day of 'Yam Dwitiya' with the belief that they will be blessed with salvation," said Mahamandaleshwar Gurusharnanand Maharaj.
Additional District Magistrate Ajai Kumar Awasthi said ample security and other arrangements have been put in place for the safety and ease of the pilgrims.

"Entire mela area has been divided into two zones and eight sectors with two senior officers as in-charge of each zone and one magistrate as in-charge of each sector," said Additional District Magistrate Ajai Kumar Awasthi.
The bathingarea at Vishram Ghat has been barricaded to prevent any untoward incident. The pilgrims would be allowed to go for bathing in groups, he said.

Meanwhile security has been beefed up at the bathing area.
"In order to prevent chain snatching, petty theft, pick pocketing, police personnel in plain clothes would be posted at sensitive points," said Awasthi.
Traffic restrictions would remain in force till tomorrow evening when obeisance to holy Yamuna would be paid through 'Shayan Aarti', he added.