Vrindavan Shock: Violent Clash at Radha Vallabh Temple

December 24, 2025 — The spiritual serenity of Vrindavan was disrupted on Monday when a violent physical altercation broke out between two groups of devotees at the historic Thakur Radha Vallabh Temple. The incident, which occurred during the early morning hours, was captured on camera and has since gone viral, sparking concerns over crowd management and temple security.

The Incident: From Prayer to Pandemonium

The clash took place during the auspicious Mangala Aarti, marking the beginning of the annual Khichdi Mahotsav. This month-long festival, a 300-year-old tradition, draws thousands of pilgrims who gather to see the deity offered a special “khichdi” prepared with 32 ingredients to ward off the winter chill.

According to eyewitnesses, the temple courtyard was packed beyond capacity. The tension began with minor shoving as devotees vied for a better view (darshan) of the deity. What started as a verbal spat quickly escalated into a full-blown brawl. The viral footage shows men exchanging punches and kicks amidst a sea of panicked worshippers, including women and children.

Impact on Devotees

The sudden violence triggered a stampede-like situation. While temple servitors (sevayats) continued the ritual singing of Khichdi Padas, the courtyard turned into a chaotic scene.

• Injuries: Several bystanders sustained minor injuries due to the scuffle and the subsequent rush to exit the premises.
• Public Outrage: Local residents and regular visitors expressed deep disappointment, noting that such aggression violates the maryada (sanctity) of one of Braj’s most revered shrines.

Security and Administrative Response

Despite the intensity of the fight, the unruly groups reportedly fled the scene after being rebuked by local elders and other devotees.

• Police Status: As of Tuesday, no formal police complaint has been lodged by either party. However, local authorities have taken note of the viral video.
• Crowd Control Issues: This incident follows a pattern of rising crowd pressure in Vrindavan. Similar clashes were reported earlier this year at the Banke Bihari Temple, highlighting the urgent need for a more robust “grid system” or pre-booked darshan slots during peak festivals.

About Khichdi Mahotsav

The festival is scheduled to run from December 22, 2025, to January 21, 2026. During this period, the deity appears in various symbolic forms—such as a cricketer, a doctor, or a bird vendor. Temple authorities have urged devotees to maintain patience and respect the sacred environment to ensure the safety of all pilgrims.