Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday became the first PM to offer prayers at the Lord Krishna Janmasthan Mandir and attended 'Mirabai Janmotsav' organised to celebrate the 525th birth anniversary of the mystic poet and Lord Krishna devotee in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura.
At the ‘Sant Mirabai Janmotsav’ programme, PM Modi said, "Braj has a unique relation with Gujarat. The Kanha of Mathura became Dwarkadheesh after going to Gujarat... Sant Mira Bai who came to Mathura from Rajasthan, spent her last moments in Dwarka... Sant Mira's worship is incomplete without Vrindavan..."
The country was coming out of the colonial mindset, the Prime Minister said and added that Braj won't be left behind in the development race while citing examples of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, and Ujjain corridor among others.
"I am fortunate that I got the opportunity to have a 'darshan' of 'Braj' because only those come here who are called by 'Shri Krishna and Shriji'," said PM Modi.
"'Bharat' has always been a country that worships women. They have not only assumed responsibilities but also guided the society, and Sant Meera Bai is an example of this," he added.
He released a commemorative stamp and coin in honour of Mirabai and attended a cultural programme organised on the occasion. The event marked the initiation of year-long programmes in her memory.
Mirabai is known for her devotion to Lord Krishna and composed many hymns and verses which are popular even today.
Tight security cover in Mathura
A tight security arrangement had been in place and the city was divided into 8 zones 32 sectors.
The Prime Minister visited the birthplace of Lord Krishna after 32 years. After offering prayers, he attended 'Mirabai Janmotsav' programme.
A 5-minute documentary on Mirabai and a dance drama presented by Mathura MP Hema Malini was also on the display.
PM Modi issued a postal stamp on Mirabai and a coin of Rs 525. Sitting arrangements for 5,000 people were made at the Brajraj festival venue.
UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, both Deputy Chief Ministers were present on the occasion.
Grand welcome for PM Modi
To give a warm welcome to the Prime Minister, the road from Army Helipad to Lord Krishna's birthplace was decorated with the colorful lights.
Barricading was done on both sides of the road so that no stray animal could pass in front of the convoy. Snipers were deployed on the roofs of the houses in the area where the Prime Minister's convoy had passed.
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