Two die of suffocation at Mathura’s Bankey Bihari temple during Janmashtami celebration

At least two individuals died during midnight Janmashtami celebrations at the Bankey Bihari temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, from suffocation and stampede, while numerous more people had to be brought to the hospital.

There was barely any room to breathe as thousands of worshippers flocked to the well-known Banke Bihari to offer prayers and take part in the rites. The event took place at the temple during Mangla Arti at around two in the morning. After some attendees started passing out at the event, police had to limit access to the temple.

“During Mangla Arti at Bankey Bihari in Mathura, one devotee fainted at exit gate of temple due to which movement of devotees was restricted. As their was huge crowd, many inside the premises were suffocated due to humidity. 2 people lost their lives,” police told news agency ANI.

An enormous crowd had assembled at the Bankey Bihari temple, and a video posted by showed people gasping for breath. A person who appeared to have fainted due to suffocation from crowds was being carried by police.

As the ‘Krishna Bhoomi’ or birthplace of Lord Krishna, as it is thought, celebrated Janmashtami, the entire city of Mathura was illuminated. In the celebrations at midnight, devotees could be seen dancing.

Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, paid a visit to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura earlier in the day in honour of Janmashtami on Friday.