Janamashtami fever grips Krishna 'bhakts'

Lucknow, Sep 4 (UNI) Janamashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna, is being celebrated with gaiety and traditional enthusiasm in Uttar Pradesh today.

Temples, adorned for midnight 'pooja' and Jhulanotsava in Mathura, the birth place of Lord Krishna, Vrindavan, Govardhan, Gokul, Baldev and Barsana are resounding with holy chants of ''Jai Shri Krishna'' and ''Nand Ke Anand Bhayo Jai Kanhaiyyalal Ki''.

The Keshav Dev temple in Mathura, said to be built on the site of Lord's Krishna's birthplace, an underground prison, was receiving lakhs of devotees for 'darshan' of 'Bal Gopal', the idol of baby Krishna, beautifully adorned in colourful attire and 'bijou' jewellery.

Programmes, such as'Gorang Leela' and 'Ramleela' were organised on this auspicious occasion, witnessed by devotees, from India and abroad. The entire 'Krishna Nagari' is submerged in 'Krishna Bhakti'.

'Puja and archana' will begin at mid-night to mark the birth of the Lord, when 'Bal Gopal' is bathed in milk, yoghurt, honey and gangajal.

The two-day celebration includes religious rituals and programmes on the first day and 'latteh ka mela', a pot filled with yoghurt is hanged at the height of about 40 feet for youth in groups try and break it, with the winner being rewarded.

Temples like Banke Bihari, Radha Balabha, Radha Damodar, Dwarkadheesh, Sri Krishna Janamsthan and others celebrate the second day of Janamashtami with 'Dadhikana', where turmeric mixed in yoghurt and is sprinkled over the devotees.

Vrindavan, the land connecting North with South, is also observing the festival today.

Children have decorated beautiful 'jhankis' at their houses.

In some parts of the state, the festival celebrations culminate on the sixth day, which is observed as the newly born Lord's 'chatti'.

This year, the government had banned the ''indecent'' dance numbers being organised on the day at police lines.

The spokesperson added the Mayawati Government has this year banned the programmes organised at police lines, following the UP Police's image being maglined last year, when ''obscene'' dance numbers at several police lines were performed on 'Shri Krishna Jayanti.' Police has been directed not to cross the limits while celebrating the festival.

People are celebrating 'Krishna Jayanti' amid high alert, in wake of the recent violent in Taj City Agra and Allahabad.

With peace being resorted in Allahabad, curfew has been relaxed for more hours today on Janamashtami in five station areas. The cityhad witnessed violence in the wake of rumours about holy books being set ablaze.

According to Uttar Pradesh Home Department spokesperson, with terror looming large on the festival, police had been directed to maintain round the clock vigil at all prominent state temples.

UNI