Pilgrims get more time to pay obeisance at Vrindavan temple during Hariyali Teej festival

Mathura: A court today provided pilgrims more time to pay obeisance to the principal deity of Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan during Hariyali Teej festival tomorrow.

A civil judge ordered that the pilgrims can pay obeisance at the temple during the morning hours, after a gap of 16 years.

Confirming the court order, Umesh Saraswat, assistant manager of the temple, said the timing for paying obeisance has been extended by four hours.

Earlier the pilgrims were allowed to pay obeisance in the evening only. Tomorrow, they can offer prayers during the morning hours as well, another official said.

The Hindu festival of Hariyali Teej is dedicated to Goddess Parvati as it marks her reunion with Lord Shiva. Security has been beefed up in Vrindaban for Hariyali Teej festival, District Magistrate Sarvagya Ram Mishra said.

He said that the entire Mela area has been divided into three zones and senior officers given charge for maintaining law and order.

Police in plain clothes have also been posted at strategic points to avoid any untoward incident, he said. Mishra said the entry of even small and medium vehicles have been banned in Vrindaban tomorrow.