Devotees across the country celebrated Krishna Janmashtami on Friday with faith and fervour, as temples echoed with devotional chants and cities witnessed colourful decorations, processions and special religious ceremonies.
In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, large numbers of devotees gathered at Krishna Janmabhoomi to mark the occasion.
A devotee told IANS, “Everything is by the grace of Kanha Ji. It is His divine play and His illusion; only He knows. The whole world is dancing to His tune, otherwise no human being has the power. What can a human being do?”
In Kapurthala, Punjab, devotees thronged temples for prayers and darshan. A grand procession was taken out from the Shri Satyanarayan Temple, while special religious programmes were organised across the city.
Temple priest Shri Satyanarayan extended greetings to devotees, saying, “On the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone, as today marks the birth celebration of Banke Bihari. The birth celebration of Thakur Ji is being celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm across the world.”
In Patna, Bihar, elaborate preparations were made at the ISKCON Temple, where devotees began gathering in large numbers from the morning. A devotee praised the arrangements, saying, “The arrangements are very good. This year, they are even better than in previous years. There is no inconvenience. Darshan may be delayed by around half an hour.”
In Patiala, Punjab, devotees visited the Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Model Town to seek darshan of Laddu Gopal and participate in the celebrations.
In Mumbai, a large number of devotees gathered at the ISKCON Temple in Chowpatty for Mukh Darshan. The occasion is particularly significant for ISKCON this year as it marks 60 years of its spiritual journey and service.
A priest said, “This Janmashtami is very special for ISKCON because today ISKCON has completed 60 years. On this occasion, very good preparations have been made.”
In Amritsar, Janmashtami was celebrated at the Durgiana Temple, which was decorated with flowers and colourful lights. Devotees gathered from early morning for darshan and prayers.
A temple priest said Lord Krishna’s birth would be celebrated at midnight, followed by the traditional Panchamrit Snan of Laddu Gopal, after which devotees would receive blessings.
In Delhi, preparations were also underway at the Prachin Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place for Janmashtami celebrations.
(IANS Inputs)
