New Delhi, August 16: Temples across India came alive with devotion and festivities on Saturday as thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna.

Celebrations in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Beyond

At Mathura’s Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, early morning Mangala Aarti drew large crowds. In Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his childhood and performed his leelas, devotees thronged temples to participate in rituals and prayers.

Grand celebrations were also witnessed at the ISKCON Temple in Noida’s Sector 32, the Prem Pratik Temple in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, and Jaipur’s historic Govind Dev Ji Temple, where overwhelming numbers of devotees gathered for darshan.

Midnight Abhishek and Rituals

Temples across the country were adorned with flowers, chandeliers, and colourful decorations. Idols of Krishna were dressed in vibrant clothes and jewellery. At midnight, priests performed the traditional Krishna Abhishek, bathing the idol with milk, curd, honey, ghee, and water, accompanied by ringing bells, blowing of conch shells, and chanting of Vedic hymns. Devotees queued for hours to witness darshan and later received prasad.

Dahi Handi Adds to Festivities

The celebrations also included the popular Dahi Handi festival, especially in Maharashtra. Groups of young men formed human pyramids to break earthen pots filled with curd and butter, symbolising Krishna’s childhood pastime as Makhan Chor. Known as Gopalakala or Utlotsavam in some regions, the event drew huge crowds and added to the festive spirit.

Janmashtami, observed on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad, holds special significance in Mathura and Vrindavan but is celebrated with equal fervour across India.