THE City of Lakes is about to turn into Vrindavan. On the eve of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Bhopal is immersed in devotion, colour and celebration. With Lord Krishna’s 5252nd birth anniversary, the capital is set to witness one of its most spectacular Janmashtami celebrations, blending temple rituals, grand shobhayatras and vibrant Chal Samarohs. From the illuminated domes of Birla Mandir to the flower-decked chariot of ISKCON, every corner of the city is echoing with chants of “Haathi Ghoda Palki, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki”. The highlight of this year’s festival will be the majestic street processions. 1. ISKCON Maha Chal Samaroh: The main procession will be the largest attraction. ISKCON Bhopal will roll out its iconic chariot carrying the deities of Shri Radha-Vallabha. When and Where: The Chal Samaroh will begin at 4 pm on September 4 from Bhopal Talkies Square, flagged off by public representatives. The Route:The grand procession will move through the heart of the city- Hamidia Road, Bharat Talkies, Roshanpura, Rangmahal Square, New Market, and will culminate at Platinum Plaza, near Mata Mandir by 8:30 pm. A 40-foot high chariot, international devotees performing Harinam Sankirtan with mridangam and kartal, 15 live Jhankis depicting Krishna Leela, dhol groups, flower showers and devotees pulling the chariot with ropes. 2. Birla Mandir Palki Yatra: The revered Lakshmi Narayan Mandir (Birla Mandir) at Arera Hills will host its traditional and serene Phoolon Ki Palki Yatra at 6 pm on September 4. The bejewelled palanquin of Laddu Gopal will circumambulate the temple complex amidst Vedic chants and bhajans.

 

3. Khatlapura and TT Nagar Jhanki Yatra: The old city will witness a joint shobhayatra by Khatlapura Temple and Banke Bihari Temple, TT Nagar. Featuring 21 tableaux showcasing scenes from Mathura, Gokul and Dwarka, the yatra will start at 5 pm from TT Nagar and conclude at New Market. This is considered the most traditional yatra of Bhopal. Inside the temples: timings and key rituals ISKCON Temple,Raisen Road & Patel Nagar04:30 am:Mangala Aarti- Temple doors open. 08 am12 pm: 108-Kalash Maha Abhishek with milk, curd, honey and holy waters. 03:00 pm: Cultural Mahotsav- ‘Gupt Vrindavan Ka Rahasya’, a dancedrama by the ISKCON Youth Forum. 12 Midnight: Maha Janmotsav Aarti- The divine birth moment, followed by Maha Prasadam and distribution of Chappan Bhog. Birla Mandir,Arera Hills 05:30 am- 11:30 pm: Extended Darshan Hours. 07:00 pm- 10:30 pm: Grand Bhajan Sandhya and Jhanki Darshan. 12:00 Midnight: Janmotsav Aarti and MakhanMishri distribution. Dahi Handi Chal Samaroh: The celebration will continue the next day with high-energy Dahi Handi competitions. The main Chal Samarohs will be held at Khatlapura, MP Nagar and Kolar from 4 pm onwards on September 5. Govinda groups from across the city will form human pyramids to break matkis hung 25 feet high. The district administration has made elaborate security and traffic arrangements. Traffic on Hamidia Road, Roshanpura and New Market will remain diverted on the evening. Bhopal is not just celebrating a festival; it is living a tradition. As the sound of flutes fills the air, the city is ready to welcome its Makhan Chor.