AGRA, Dec. 29 -- The management of the Thakur Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan has issued an advisory urging devotees to avoid visiting the town from December 29 to January 5 unless absolutely necessary, in view of the expected heavy crowds during the New Year period.

Munesh Sharma, the manager of the Thakur Banke Bihari Temple, said in an advisory issued on Sunday evening that devotees should avoid visiting Vrindavan until January 5 due to increased crowd pressure at the temple and in the surrounding areas.

"Visit Vrindavan only if unavoidable until January 5; otherwise, devotees should avoid visiting the temple during this period. There is a huge turnout of devotees in the last days of the month, which is expected to continue or even ...