Fairy-lit temples welcome sea of devotees on Janamashtami

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) A sea of devotees across the country converged on temples illuminated with fairylights and adorned with marigold flowers on the occasion of Janamashtami, a festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna.

In the capital, amid tight security, worshippers visited Gauri Shankar Mandir, Birla (Lakshmi Narayan) Mandir, Iskcon temple, Hanuman Mandir and Mata Mandir temple to pay obeisance on this occasion.

Worshippers assembled in the temples here since morning to take part in Bhajans and other cultural programmes that were organised, depicting their deep faith for Lord Krishna.

In the wake of recent blasts in Surat and Ahmedabad, Delhi witnessed unprecedented security and devotees were seen entering temples through door frame metal detectors installed at the temple gates.

Restrictions were also placed on carrying hand bag, briefcases, parcels, food packets, cameras and any other battery-operated equipment on the temple premises.

Mathura, the birth place of Lord Krishna, celebrated Janmashtami with dance, Jhanki and other such programmes with devotees from all over the world congregating here to celebrate the festival.

Lakhs of devotees thronged this place for the grand celebration Janmashtami which began with the customary ''dadhikana''.

The celebration began at around 0400 hrs with bathing of ''Baal Gopal'' in tonnes of milk, yoghurt, ghee and honey.

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