AMN
Janmashthami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is being celebrated across the country with religious fervour and gaiety.
In Uttar Pradesh, the main function took place at Janm Bhumi in Mathura, the birthplace place of Lord Krishna. The temples, streets and roads have been richly decorated giving grandeur and divine look across the town.
A large number of devotees from country and abroad flocked in Mathura are eagerly to have a glimpse of the incarnation of their deity Kanha. The whole town is filled with religious fervour and gaiety and sea of devotees are seen in streets.
People are pining for the moment when the needles of clock ring 12.00 o’clock at midnight and Nandlal will open eyes. As the time of the lord’s birth is approaching near, the people are becoming more excited. Chanting of Bhajans and Kirtan are reverberating all over making the atmosphere heavenly.
President Ram Nath Kovind has greeted people on the occasion. In his message, Mr Kovind said, Yogeshwar Krishna embodied righteousness against evil and devotion to truthfulness. He said, Lord Krishna taught us to focus on Nishkam Karma which means responsibility rather than reward.
The President said, Janmashtami is a day to commit ourselves to the life and teachings of Lord Krishna and called upon people to take a resolve to imbibe these timeless and universal values and follow them for the betterment of their lives and the world.
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has extended his warm greetings to the people on Janmashtami. In a series of tweets, Mr Naidu said, the incarnation of Lord Krishna symbolizes the victory of Dharma over Adharma, righteousness over evil. He said, the eternal message of selfless service given by Lord Krishna in the Bhagwad Gita has been a source of inspiration for the entire humanity.
On the occasion, Mr Naidu called upon people to take a resolve to embrace Dharma, reject Adharma and seek the path of righteousness and service with the endeavor to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. The Vice President expressed hope that this Janmashtami will bring peace, amity, harmony and prosperity in the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also greeted the people on the occasion of Janmashtami. In a tweet, Mr Modi expressed hope that the blessings of Lord Krishna will always bring happiness and good health in the lives of people.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami is also being celebrated in Gujarat with traditional fervor and gaiety. The main celebrations are being held at Jagatmandir- Dwarika and Lord Ranchhodrai Temple in Dakor.
Thousands of devotees have started gathering at Dwarka and Dakor to participate in special Janmashtami Mahotasva to be held during mid-night. Meanwhile, Gujarat Governor and Chief Minister have greeted the people of the state on Janmashtami.
Devotees are participating in special pujas and functions being held at Bagawat Vidhyapeeth at Sola and Iskon temple in Ahmedabad. Large number of devotees have started gathering at Dwarika and Dakor to participate in special Janmashtami Mahotasva. At Dwarika, after the morning pujas, the devotees are waiting for Shayan Bhog, Shayan Arti and Maha Bhog followed by Janmashtami Mahotsav during the midnight. Devsthan Committee of Dwarka has arranged a special live web casting of Shri Krishna Janmotsav.
In the wake of severe floods in western Maharashtra, especially in Kolhapur and Sangli districts, earlier this month, the Dahi Handi festival is being celebrated in a subdued manner in Mumbai and other parts of the state. The Dahi Handi ritual is part of the Janmashtami festival in Maharashtra, where youngsters, called Govindas, dressed in colourful attire, make human pyramid to reach an earthen pot containing buttermilk and suspended in mid-air, and break it.
Many GovindaMandals and organizers of events in Mumbai and other parts of the state have decided to keep the celebrations low-key, to show solidarity with the people affected by the devastating floods. Some of the Mandals are also donating money for the flood relief work. Many Mandals have decided to celebrate the festival just to keep the tradition on.
The city is witnessing several Govinda Mandals on the streets since morning. Not only men but also women Govindas are participating in the competition. Meantime, Deputy Commissioner of Police Pranab Ashok informed that along with SRPF and BDS, police force of 40,000 is deployed to maintain law and order. The CCTV cameras are installed to keep an eye on the venues of Dahihandi.
In Delhi, various temples have been decorated with colourful lights and flowers, depicting the life of Lord Krishna. Devotees are thronging temples to pay their obeisance to Lord Krishna. There is huge rush of devotees at Birla and ISKCON temples. The main celebration will be held at midnight when the birth of Lord Krishna takes place. Many people are observing fast on the occasion.