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The sacred treasury of the Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, was reopened on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for the first time in 54 years. The reopening took place on Dhanteras, the auspicious day that marks the start of Diwali festivities, under strict court supervision.

The Supreme Court had ordered the reopening of the treasury, directing that only a High-Powered Committee constituted by the Allahabad High Court oversee the process. The event drew significant attention as it revived a long-dormant part of one of India’s most revered temples.

Mathura Circle Officer Sandeep Singh said the entire operation was carried out under tight security and full transparency. “The reopening of the temple treasury was conducted under the supervision of the High Court’s committee members as directed by the Supreme Court. The entire process has been videographed. Fire and forest department teams were deployed to manage any potential risks,” Singh told ANI.

He added that special fire-safety measures were introduced, given the treasury’s long closure. “We used backpack-type fire extinguishers that cut off the oxygen supply to any potential fire source. The goal was to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” he said.

Temple caretaker Ghanshyam Goswami confirmed that only authorised officials and select members of the High-Powered Committee were permitted entry. “The treasury of Banke Bihari Temple has been opened after 54 years on Dhanteras. Apart from judicial and administrative officers, four nominated Goswamis hold the right to access the treasury,” Goswami said.

The last known opening of the treasury was in 1971, under the supervision of the then temple committee president. Officials said that the process of inspection and documentation will continue, and the findings will remain under judicial review.

The reopening coincided with Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. The day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi, Lord Kuber - the god of wealth and Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and Ayurveda.

Devotees across the country observe Dhanteras as an auspicious time for new purchases, wealth accumulation, and prosperity. The festival falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Aaswayuja, according to the Vikram Sambat calendar.

Ankit Kumar is a Senior Sub Editor at Zee Business. He covers international affairs, politics, climate change, business, finance and global elections. With experience acros