National
UP Government Responds to SC Directive, Accelerates Banke Bihari Corridor Project for Better Devotee Access
Currently, devotees must traverse crowded and narrow pathways to access the temple, resulting in discomfort and sometimes leading to accidents. Essential facilities such as waiting areas, toilets, emergency exits, and designated parikrama (circumambulation) paths are sorely lacking, making it difficult to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. Historically, a court-appointed receiver was designated in 1939 to oversee the temple area, yet the absence of effective management has led to ongoing issues for devotees.
There are also safety concerns related to aging and unstable buildings adjacent to the temple, which have caused accidents in the past. Therefore, the corridor project represents a vital advancement toward ensuring safety and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Officials recently announced that the Yogi government intends to create a world-class temple corridor in Vrindavan, similar to those in Kashi, Ayodhya, and Vindhyachal. The objective is to facilitate a smooth, safe, and respectful darshan experience for devotees from India and abroad.
The initiative has garnered strong backing from local residents, temple priests, traders, artists, and elected officials, along with overwhelming support on social media. Following the court’s orders, the state government plans to acquire approximately 5 acres of land surrounding the temple for this development.
The corridor will feature wider roads, enhanced entry points, and improved crowd management systems. These advancements are anticipated to attract more visitors, boost tourism, and create new employment opportunities. Local businesses are likely to benefit from increased foot traffic and new revenue streams.
In prior years, the temple has been managed by local priests, leading to numerous complaints from devotees regarding mismanagement and mistreatment both inside the temple and in its vicinity, particularly during peak visiting times.
The forthcoming Banke Bihari Temple corridor will provide state-of-the-art facilities for visitors, including clean drinking water, hygienic toilets, resting areas, lockers, a medical center, a control room, stringent security, and an efficient darshan system. These enhancements aim to make visits more comfortable, especially for elderly individuals and women, ensuring a peaceful and respectful darshan experience for all.
Additionally, the corridor’s development is expected to elevate the religious and cultural significance of Mathura and Vrindavan, potentially increasing domestic and international tourism by up to fourfold. This growth will create advantages for local shopkeepers, hotel operators, transport services, and various employment sectors, significantly boosting the local economy.
The Supreme Court has underscored that the construction of the corridor is the government’s responsibility, not that of the court. Accordingly, the Uttar Pradesh government is proceeding with meticulous care to safeguard the interests of both devotees and the local residents and business owners.
The government is engaging in dialogue and coordination with all stakeholders, clarifying that the removal of any shops near the temple will be handled as a matter of settlement rather than displacement. Affected shopkeepers can expect fair compensation and options for alternative shops or housing. The government has pledged that everyone will be treated justly and that traders will gain from enhanced business prospects in new, customer-rich locations.
Importantly, the government has emphasized that the corridor will solely focus on infrastructure improvements without interfering with the temple’s religious structure, traditions, or the roles of temple priests (sevayats). The customs and responsibilities of the Goswami community will remain untouched.
The priest community has fully endorsed the Banke Bihari Corridor project. Dinesh Goswami, a priest at the Banke Bihari Temple, has characterized this initiative as crucial for the development of Vrindavan. He has also supported the ordinance put forth by the government, emphasizing that both the corridor and the temple trust will amplify the grandeur and sanctity of Vrindavan.
Mangaluru: India is celebrating its Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Google has joined the celebrations with a special Doodle on its homepage.
The colourful Doodle reflects India’s rich culture and heritage. It features patterns inspired by traditional Indian textiles.
The artwork replaces the usual Google logo with bright colours and traditional motifs. It gives the familiar logo a distinct Indian look.
The Doodle also highlights India’s cultural diversity. Its detailed designs are inspired by India’s traditional art and textile heritage.
India became independent from British rule on August 15, 1947. The day is celebrated across the country with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, parades and other patriotic events.
Kite flying and cultural activities are also part of the Independence Day celebrations in many parts of the country.
India gained independence on August 15, 1947, after nearly two centuries of British rule.
The freedom struggle involved the sacrifices of millions of Indians. Several prominent leaders and freedom fighters played important roles in the movement.
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Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh are among the prominent figures associated with India’s freedom struggle.
As the nation celebrates Independence Day, Google’s special Doodle adds a colourful digital tribute to India’s history, culture and national spirit.
New Delhi: India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.
The ceremony highlighted 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The event also focused on the power of the youth, or Yuva Shakti.
Prime Minister Modi stressed the vision of building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. He called on the youth to play a key role In achieving this goal.
For the first time in the history of the Red Fort celebrations, Vande Mataram was officially rendered during the ceremony.
Prime Minister Modi appeared in a traditional tie-and-dye red turban. He paired it with a white kurta and a chocolate-brown jacket.
The celebrations followed the traditional state protocol. The national flag was hoisted at the Red Fort. A 21-gun salute was also given.
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A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented to the Prime Minister. He later addressed the nation from the Red Fort.
The 2026 Independence Day celebrations combined India’s historic legacy with a strong message for the future. The focus remained on youth power and the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.
Mangaluru : India is all set to celebrate Independence Day on August 15, 2026. The historic Red Fort in New Delhi will once again become the centre of the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.
This year’s celebrations will focus on the theme “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047”. The theme highlights the role of young people in building a developed India by 2047.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the national flag at the Red Fort and address the nation. The ceremony will begin with the traditional Guard of Honour by the Delhi Police and the three armed forces.
The flag hosting will be followed by a 21-gun salute. Indian Air Force helicopters will also shower flower petals over the Red Fort grounds.
150 Years of Vande Mataram
A special tribute will be paid to Vande Mataram, which completes 150 years since its composition.
Vande Mataram will be performed along with the national anthem as the Prime Minister arrives at the Red Fort. This will be a special feature of this year’s ceremony.
Around 2,500 NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers will sit in the shape of “Vande Mataram” at Gyan Path. They will also decorate the area with flowers.
An Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter will carry a banner marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and shower flower petals over the gathering.
From August 8 to 15, military bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, CRPF and BSF are also performing patriotic music at 343 locations across the country.
Young Achievers to Be Honoured
The celebrations will give special importance to young achievers.
Nineteen students who won medals at the 2026 International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics Olympiads will be invited to the main stage at the Red Fort.
The venue will also showcase India’s achievements in space and nuclear technology.
Around 5,000 Special Guests
Around 5,000 special guests from different fields have been invited to the celebrations.
They include young researchers, outstanding interns under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, startup achievers, skilled youth and MY Bharat volunteers.
Beneficiaries of various government schemes will also attend the event. Women entrepreneurs under the PM Mudra scheme, PM Awas Yojana beneficiaries and PM Surya Ghar beneficiaries are among them.
Artisans under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, Bharat Taxi drivers, street vendors under PM SVANidhi and sanitation workers will also be part of the gathering.
Nurses and ward staff from government hospitals, as well as workers involved in Delhi Metro and Central Vista projects, have also been invited.
More than 1,500 Delhi residents wearing traditional dresses from different states will showcase India’s cultural diversity.
More than 600 winners of essay, painting and quiz competitions organised by the Ministry of Defence and MyGov will also attend the ceremony.
Special Arrangements for the Public
Several arrangements have been made for the convenience of visitors.
Around 25 cloakrooms at six locations will be available for safely keeping personal belongings. Nearly 200 NCC and MY Bharat volunteers will assist visitors.
Delhi Metro services will begin from 4 am on August 15. Invitees will receive free Metro QR codes along with their e-invitations.
Around 20 wheelchairs will be available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Ramps and steps have also been arranged for easier movement.
Rain ponchos will be provided in case of rain. Traffic and route information will also be available through Google and Maps applications.
This year, the seating areas will be named after major Indian lakes instead of rivers. The move aims to promote awareness about water conservation.
After the ceremony, NCC and MY Bharat volunteers will conduct a special plogging and cleanliness drive at the Red Fort grounds.
Drainage and wastewater systems around the Red Fort have also been cleaned to prevent waterlogging during rainfall.
Online Ticket Booking
Members of the public can book tickets online through the Defence Ministry’s official Aamantran portal.
A valid identity document and a registered mobile number are required for booking.
Tickets will be available in three categories priced at Rs.20, Rs.100 and Rs.500.
Delhi on High Alert
Delhi has been placed under tight security ahead of Independence Day.
Security has been strengthened at city borders, entry points, busy markets, malls, hotels and other sensitive locations.
Vehicles entering Delhi are being checked thoroughly. Security personnel are maintaining a close watch on areas near the Haryana border and other important locations.
Drones are being used to monitor sensitive areas, including parts of East Delhi and the Yamuna riverfront.
A large mock drill was also conducted in northeast Delhi to prepare security personnel for possible emergencies and protests. More than 200 police personnel participated in the exercise.
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The drill included the use of water cannons, Vajra vehicles and tear-gas equipment.
With special programmes, young achievers, cultural displays and tight security arrangements, the Red Fort is ready to host India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026.
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