Among the modern constructions, there is the 10-storied Pagal Baba and the Gita Mandir. The latter has beautiful paintings and carvings. The entire Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on a pillar called the Bhagwad Stambh. For Mathura, Janmashtami is the biggest festival held on a grand scale. Plays based on the life of Krishna are staged.
Devotional songs blare from loudspeakers.
As the hour of Krishna s birth approaches, the atmosphere becomes charged with frenzied dancing and singing in the temples. Brajyatra, which commences a day after Janmashtami and lasts for 50 days, deserves special mention. They have to walk barefoot, sleep on the floor, abstain from sex, intoxicants, greed and anger, have ritual baths and listen to Krishna s exploits. The International Guesthouse in Mathura offers good and cheap accommodation. There are some good hotels near the new bus stand.