New Delhi: Devotees across the country are celebrating Krishna Janmashtami on Friday with immense faith, devotion and fervour, as temples resonate with devotional chants and cities come alive with colourful decorations, processions and special religious ceremonies.
In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, devotees gathered in large numbers at Krishna Janmabhoomi to mark the auspicious occasion. The celebrations were accompanied by an atmosphere of deep devotion, with devotees expressing their faith in Lord Krishna.
A devotee in Mathura 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, the city was immersed in Janmashtami celebrations, with devotees thronging temples for prayers and darshan. A grand procession was also taken out from the Shri Satyanarayan Temple, while special religious programmes were organised across the city.
Temple priest Shri Satyanarayan extended his greetings to devotees and said, “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 underway at the ISKCON Temple, where a large number of devotees had been gathering since 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 arrived at the Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Model Town to seek darshan of Laddu Gopal and participate in the festivities.
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, a large gathering of devotees thronged the ISKCON Temple in Chowpatty to seek Mukh Darshan. The occasion holds added significance as ISKCON is commemorating 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 with great fervour at the Durgiana Temple, which was beautifully decorated with flowers and colourful lights. Devotees gathered from early morning for darshan and prayers.
A temple priest said that 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.
