The stageis set for a grand three-day-long celebration of Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura and Vrindavan from Friday in which national and international artistes will enthral those coming to this city.

For the first time, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to organise Janmashtami on a grand scale for three days.

The highlight of this year’s Janmashtami celebrations will be ‘Dahi handi’ event which will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Ramlila Grounds in Mathura on August 24. A troupe from Mumbai has been invited specially for the Dahi Handi event, a government spokesman said.

Over 1,000 international performers, Bollywood celebrities, folk artistes and students will participate in the colourful cultural programmes scheduled at the venue. 

Artistes from across the country and abroad will take out a ‘Shobha Yatra’ on the opening day (Friday). A cultural programme will also be held on the occasion, the spokesman said.  

On August 24, tableaux will be taken out under the ‘Krishnaavatar’ event. Popular musician Shankar Mahadevan is likely to perform at Ramlila Ground in Mathura on August 24.

Bhajan rendition by Padmashri Anup Jalota is slated for August 25. 

Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Mathura, Hema Malini, is also likely to perform during the function, the officer said.

Meanwhile, to promote tourism, 10 historical water tanks and ponds are being renovated at a cost of Rs 1,198.40 lakh in the Mathura district.

Principal Secretary (Tourism) Jitendra Kumar said the renovation work would be completed by November this year. 

He said that 80 per cent of the work had been completed at a cost of Rs 966 lakh. He added that a sum of Rs 1,100 lakh had been released against the total cost.

“Other promotional works are also in progress and will be completed soon,” Kumar said.