Mathura and Vrindavan were decked up in colourful illuminations on Thursday night as devotees gathered in large numbers ahead of Janmashtami celebrations.
The Shri Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura was illuminated with elaborate decorative lights, adding to the festive atmosphere in the city associated with the life of Lord Krishna.
Large numbers of devotees have arrived in Mathura and Vrindavan to offer prayers and participate in special rituals being organised to mark the festival.
Devotees gather at Banke Bihari Temple
A large crowd gathered at the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir in Vrindavan for the Janmashtami aarti.
The temple premises witnessed heavy footfall, with devotees standing in long queues and moving through barricaded areas while waiting for darshan and participating in the celebrations.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also inaugurated the Kanha Bhakti Stambh in Mathura.
The heavy footfall reflects the importance of Mathura and Vrindavan during Janmashtami, with devotees travelling from different parts of the country to the twin temple towns.
Delhi temples also illuminated
In Delhi, the ISKCON Temple in East of Kailash was illuminated for Janmashtami.
The temple was decorated with colourful lighting featuring depictions of Lord Krishna and Radha, creating a festive display around the premises.
A large number of devotees gathered at the temple to participate in the celebrations. Police personnel were deployed to manage crowds and maintain security.
With devotees continuing to arrive at prominent temples, authorities have made crowd management and security arrangements a key part of the celebrations.
Festival celebrates birth of Lord Krishna
Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, marks the birth of Lord Krishna, regarded in Hindu tradition as the eighth avatar of Vishnu.
The festival is observed on the eighth day, or Ashtami, of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu luni-solar calendar.
Mathura and Vrindavan hold special significance during Janmashtami because of their association with Krishna’s life and traditions.
The colourful illuminations, temple rituals and large gatherings have created a festive atmosphere across Mathura, Vrindavan and Delhi as devotees come together to celebrate the festival.
-ANI
