Janmashtami Draws Devotees to Temples in North and East India Amidst Festivities

Devotees gathered in large numbers at temples across north and east India on Janmashtami to celebrate Lord Krishna's birth. Chants of Hare Krishna filled the air as people lined up for the morning aarti. In Patna, a huge rush at the ISKCON temple led to a stampede-like situation, injuring a few devotees.

In Delhi, the Laxmi Narayan temple, also known as Birla Mandir, was adorned with festive lights. Other temples in the city were similarly decorated, some even using flowers imported from Thailand. Many areas displayed tableaux of Lord Krishna. The Chhattarpur temple organised a dance drama themed on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, promoting world peace.

ISKCON Temple Celebrations

The ISKCON temple in East of Kailash performed a Maha Puja and offered 1,008 different dishes to the deity. "As soon as we opened the temple gates at 4.30 am, a large queue of devotees gathered to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna. We have arranged for darshan throughout the day. At 9.30 pm, we will perform a Maha Abhishek Puja, and at 11.30 pm, we will offer the bhog of 1,008 dishes. Finally, at midnight, we will hold a Maha Aarti and chant Krishna's name," said ISKCON vice president Vrjendra Nandan Das.

Video clips from Patna showed security personnel managing the crowd at the ISKCON temple. Some devotees fell and were assisted by security staff. The city administration later clarified that there was no stampede and that mild force was used to control those trying to break police barricades.

Mathura Celebrations

Hundreds gathered at Mathura's Krishna Janmabhoomi temple for the Mangala Aarti in the morning. The temple premises echoed with chants of Jai Jai Shri Radhey and Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki. Senior Superintendent of Police Shailesh Kumar Pandey reported that nearly 25 lakh pilgrims visited various temples in Mathura, Vrindavan, Goverdhan, and Mahaban by late evening.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the celebrations in Mathura. "Today in the holy city of Mathura, I visited and worshipped the divine and beautiful forms of Yogeshwar Lord Shri Krishna and Shri Radha Rani. May the blessings of Dukhbhanjan, Yashodanandan, Lord Shri Krishna and Shri Radha Ji remain in the entire universe and this world," he said.

Other Regional Celebrations

In Jaipur, thousands visited Govind Devji temple and Shri Radha Gopinathji temple amid tight security. In Punjab and Haryana, devotees flocked to temples while children dressed in colourful attire presented cultural performances. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya extended their greetings on Janmashtami.

"Greetings to all countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. This festival inspires us to be dedicated to the divine ideals of Lord Krishna. On this occasion, let us imbibe his teachings and pledge to work for the progress and prosperity of the country," Kataria posted on X in Hindi.

"May the blessings of Lord Krishna bring joy, peace, and prosperity in everyone's life. On this auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, let us celebrate the divine love and teachings of Lord Krishna," Dattatreya posted on X.

Jharkhand Festivities

In Ranchi, Dahi Handi competitions were held at several locations. On Sunday night, Chief Minister Hemant Soren participated in a Krishna Mahotsav programme at Ranchi's Morabadi Ground.

The celebrations across various regions highlighted the devotion and enthusiasm of people marking Janmashtami with traditional fervour.