Mathura/Vrindavan, April 26 Lakhs of pilgrims have gathered at the temple towns of Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh for special rituals this month, also called 'Purushottam Mas', which is an extra month added to the Hindu calender and is considered auspicious.

On the occasion of Purushottam Ekadashi on April 25, a million people performed "parikrama" of the holy Goverdhan hill near here, which is believed to have been lifted by Lord Sri Krishna on his little finger to save his followers from rainfall.

Actor Govinda was also seen visiting the famous Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan on Sunday.

All over Braj Mandal — comprising Agra division's six district Mathura, Agra, Ferozabad, Etah, Mainpuri and Hathras long with Aligarh, Bharatpur in Rajasthan, Morena district of Madhya Pradesh and Palwal in Haryana — religious activities are being organised on a grand scale.

In Agra city, the famous Mathuradheesh temple has organised a month long programme of festivals, drawing huge crowds.

Gopal Chaturvedi, a resident of Vrindavan, said: "The Purushottam Mas, also called Adhik Mas or Mal Mas, will last till May 14. During this month, Sri Krishna devotees from all over throng the Braj area, particularly Goverdhan and Vrindavan for special programmes."