Krishna nagari all set for Janmashtami; security heightened

Mathura, Aug 23 (UNI) Lakhs of devotees today thronged Lord Krishna's birth place for the grand celebration of Janmashtami, which will begin with ''dadhikana'' (bathing of lord Krishna in milk, yoghurt, ghee and honey) here tomorrow.

Devotees from all over the world had congregated here to celebrate the festival with full gaiety and religious fervour.

Danghati Govardhan temple's acharya Mathura Das Kaushik said the celebration begin aroung 0400 hrs with bathing of ''Baal Gopal'' in tonnes of milk, yoghurt, ghee and honey.

Later, the same ''pancha amrit'' is offered to the devotees, who after taking the ''prashad'' go for Govardhan parikrama, the priest added.

Special arrangements had been made for the tourists and visitors amid the festival preparations, Sri Krishana Janamsthan seva sansthan secretary Kapil Sharma said adding temples doors would also remained open during the noon also, so the tourists, who had travelled long way for lord's glimpse not left disheartened.

Several city temples, including Raja Thakur temple, Gokulnath temple and other were being tastefully decorated.

Meanwhile, ADM Prabhant Kumar Sharma said tight security cover had been initiated to avoid any untoward incident. Even two-wheelers would not be permitted within five km radius of Krishna's janamsthan, he added.

In Gokul, ''dadhikana'' is observed by bathing lord and the devotees with tumeric mixed yoghurt in high spirits. Sweets are distributed in abundance without any bias.

Besides, dance, jhanki and other such programmes are organised on the occasion.

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