AMN / WEB DESK
The birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is being celebrated with great devotion and festivity across the country today. Known as Janmashtami, the festival marks the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, commemorating the divine birth of Lord Krishna over 5,000 years ago in Mathura.
From the break of dawn, temples and homes resonated with the chants of “Hare Krishna” and bhajans dedicated to the ‘Makhan Chor’. Devotees, young and old, thronged temples to offer prayers, observe fasts, and participate in religious rituals, many of them dressed as Radha and Krishna. Scenes of vibrant devotion unfolded not just in major pilgrimage towns but in cities and villages across the nation.
The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, closely associated with Krishna’s childhood and youth, are at the heart of the celebrations. Lakhs of devotees have gathered there to witness the grandeur. Iconic temples such as Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, Iskcon Temple, and Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi Mandir are decked in flowers, lights, and traditional artwork. The temples will mark the exact moment of Krishna’s birth at midnight with special ‘abhishek’ rituals and recitations from the Bhagavad Gita.
A series of cultural programmes, including Rasleela, spiritual discourses, and traditional dances, are being held through the day and into the night. Security and crowd management measures have been ramped up in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka in Gujarat, which are expected to see lakhs of visitors.
On this auspicious occasion, President Droupadi Murmu extended heartfelt greetings to the citizens. In a message issued from Rashtrapati Bhavan, she described Janmashtami as a festival filled with “joy, devotion, and spiritual depth”. She emphasized that Lord Krishna’s life is a timeless guide for all, inspiring individuals toward self-realization, righteousness (Dharma), and service to society.
“The teachings of Bhagwan Shri Krishna, especially as enshrined in the Bhagavad Gita, continue to illuminate our path in modern life,” the President noted. She urged people to internalize Krishna’s values of truth, compassion, and resilience, which can collectively contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive society.
The Prime Minister and several Union Ministers also extended greetings, with many sharing their thoughts on social media. State governments in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh have declared public holidays and organized large-scale cultural events.
As the midnight hour approaches, millions of Krishna devotees around the world will observe Krishna Janma Mahotsav—the divine moment when Vasudeva carried baby Krishna across the Yamuna to safety. The celebrations are expected to continue into the weekend.