PRAYAGRAJ, Sept. 13 -- The first of the traditional Dadhikando fairs was held in Salori on Saturday amid tight security and festive fervor, with vibrant tableaux, religious processions and music drawing large crowds. Held annually around Janmashtami, the fair featured elaborately decorated floats depicting episodes from the life of Lord Krishna. To ensure public safety, Prayagraj police deployed additional personnel at key points, supported by drone surveillance, anti-Romeo squads, plainclothes officers, and two companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). DCP (City) Sagar Jain inspected security arrangements in Salori and Sulemsarai on Friday after joint operational reviews with the fire, electricity and health departments. The next major Dadhikando fair will take place in Sulemsarai on Sunday, with heightened security measures. Authorities are also monitoring social media platforms to curb rumors and warned of strict action against anyone attempting to spread misinformation or disturb the peace. A longstanding tradition in Prayagraj, Dadhikando fairs are held on pre-fixed dates across several localities, including Teliarganj and Rajapur. Dating back to around 1890, the tradition originated in areas such as Rasulabad and Sulemsarai. According to local accounts, the processions initially served as a form of cultural expression and resistance during the British colonial period, particularly in areas adjoining cantonment zones. Over the decades, what began as modest nighttime gatherings lit by lanterns and gaslights with deities carried on shoulders has evolved into grand pageants featuring decorated elephants, electric illumination, brass bands and vibrant cultural tableaux....