Janmashtami being celebrated with religious fervor & gaiety

Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna, is being celebrated in different parts of the country today with religious fervor and gaiety. Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh is fully geared to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. Thousands of temples including Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, Iskcon Temple and Shri Krishna Janm Bhumi Temple have been tastefully decorated in Mathura, the birth place of Lord Krishna. 

Several thousands of devotees not only from country but from abroad have already flocked in Mathura to have a glimpse of incarnation of their deity Nandlal at Janam Bhumi at mid night.  UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will participate in Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura today.  

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.

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. AIR Correspondent reports that 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. 

Vibrant city of Mumbai is also all set to celebrate Dahi Handi festival today, after celebrating Janmashtami, the birth ceremony of Lord Krishna last night. This festival is an integral part of the identity of this city, which is celebrated to keep up the tradition of breaking the pots filled with Curd hung high, as it is said to be done by Lord Krishna and his friends in his childhood to get his favorite curd.

Various Govinda Mandals are ready to break the Dahi Handis at various places and compete against each other to get the whopping cash prizes of lakhs of rupees. They will form the human pyramids to break the clay pots hung high with curd inside and the enthusiasm can be seen everywhere in Mumbai. Not only men but also women Govindas participate in the competition.