DEVOTEES across the country celebrated 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. In Kapurthala, Punjab, devotees throng 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. In Patna, Bihar, at the ISKCON Temple a large number of devotees had been gathering since morning. Aartis and bhajans filled the air as religious fervour swept Mumbai on Friday, with Krishna temples across the city opening to massive crowds of faithfuls gathering for early prayers on Janmashtami.

 

The city is also gearing up for Saturday’s Dahi Handi celebrations, when several spirited teams of Govindas will build human pyramids to break curd and milk-filled earthen pots suspended at considerable heights on street corners. 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. In Delhi, preparations were also underway at the Prachin Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place for Janmashtami celebrations. PM, YOGI extended their greetings: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion and said the divine messages of Lord Krishna carry profound inspiration for selfless action that has continuously guided humanity. “Heartiest greetings to everyone on Janmashtami! The divine messages of Lord Krishna carry a profound inspiration for selfless action, which has continuously guided humanity,” Modi said in a post on X in Hindi. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his deputies Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak extended greetings to people, highlighting Lord Krishna’s teachings on righteousness, duty, truth, compassion and humanity.

 

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria said Lord Krishna’s life and teachings included the message of well-being and virtue. Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh said the timeless teachings of Lord Krishna continue to guide humanity towards duty, righteousness, courage and selfless action. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in a post on X in Punjabi, said, “Heartiest congratulations on Janmashtami to all the countrymen. May the grace of Lord Shri Krishna Ji remain upon you all. May every home be filled with happiness and prosperity.” Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, in a post on X in Hindi, prayed that the festival bring love, devotion and positive energy into people’s lives. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, in a post on X in Hindi, prayed that the festival bring love, devotion and positive energy into people’s lives. “I pray to Lord Krishna to illuminate the lives of every family in Haryana with happiness, prosperity, health, and peace. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren extended Krishna Janmashtami wishes to the people of the State, and highlighted Lord Krishna’s teachings on truth, righteousness, duty, compassion and humanity.