New Delhi, August 16 (H.S.) : The spirit of devotion and festivity swept across the nation on Saturday as millions of devotees celebrated Shri Krishna Janmashtami, marking the divine appearance of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. From the sacred city of Mathura and Vrindavan—the birthplace and playground of the Lord—to grand temples across Delhi, Mumbai, and countless towns and villages, vibrant decorations, devotional singing, and elaborate rituals transformed the atmosphere into one of joy and reverence.

According to tradition, Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, under the Rohini Nakshatra. This celestial alignment is commemorated with night-long celebrations, devotional bhajans, reenactments of Krishna's childhood leelas, and the symbolic ceremony of his birth at the stroke of midnight.

At temples, beautifully adorned idols of Shaligram, Laddu Gopal, and Radha-Krishna were placed in artistically decorated sanctums, with floral arrangements, lighting displays, and devotional tableaux capturing divine narratives. The faithful observed Nirjala fasts throughout the day, breaking only after midnight rituals. In traditional households, devotees symbolically welcomed the child Krishna by placing him in a swing or cradling a decorated cucumber—a customary ritual—before offering him a Panchamrit bath (a holy mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar).

Janmashtami celebrations also resonated beyond temple walls—cultural performances, Dahi-Handi festivities, and devotional music infused communities with energy and devotion. The night’s aura echoed with chants of “Jai Shri Krishna”, as the faithful immersed themselves in remembering the life and teachings of the divine cowherd, lover of Radha, and the deliverer of the Bhagavad Gita’s eternal message.

Every year, Krishna Janmashtami serves not only as a day of worship but also as a celebration of Bhakti, Dharma, and Hope, connecting millions of hearts across the world in the remembrance of Krishna’s leelas and his message of righteousness.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar