Janmashtami celebrated in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, Aug 24 (UNI) Janmashtami marking, the birth occasion of Lord Krishna was celebrated peacefully across Uttar Pradesh.

Beeline of worshippers was the most comman scene noticed at various temples in the state.

The festival stretched for two days at many places as Lord Krishna was born in midnight. Religious city and birth place of the Lord, Mathura, marked the festival with high spirits anbd gaiety.

The celebrations commenced early today, when priests bathe Lord Krishna's idol with holy water, milk, ghee, oil and honey.

Later, the worshippers and priests chanted hymns and religious songs.

Breaking of ''matkis,'' the most comman ritual, was also performed at several places as ''Kanha'' was very fond of milk and 'makhan'.

Besides the temples, lights were also lit at police lines and houses in the state. Attractive ''jhankis'' depicting the Lord's life in sequence were also organised.

Lord Krishna was the human incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Janmashtami falls on the eigth day of month ''Bhadon.'' Stringent security arrangements were made for the festival in wake of the recent terrorist activities in the country.

UNI JAS LPB KP2045