Mathura

Mathura is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, revered as the birthplace of Krishna and a major pilgrimage centre on the western bank of the Yamuna River. The city's ghats, particularly Vishram Ghat, are used for ritual bathing, and the evening aarti on the river parallels that at Varanasi in atmosphere if not in scale. Mathura is also the centre of the Braj region, and during Holi and Janmashtami the town hosts some of the most elaborate and colourful celebrations associated with those festivals.