Hyderabad: People celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami by performing pujas at home and isiting temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in their neighbourhood or elsewhere. The festival, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, was marked by prayers and cultural programmes in the city.
Devotees thronged temples from the early morning. Children dressed as Krishna, Radha, and Gopikas added to the festive spirit, while temples adorned with flowers ad festooned with lights created a divine atmosphere.
The festival was celebrated more elaborately at major Krishna temples, including those run by International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), where the day began at 4,30 am.
After the Shodashopachara Seva, the Shringara Arati marked the beginning of the darshan. Simultaneously, Unjala Seva for Sri Makhan Krishna commenced, allowing devotees the honour of participating in this sacred ritual. The Sri Sudarshana Narasimha Homam was performed for the welfare and prosperity of all.
The highlight of the day was the offering of 56 meticulously crafted food preparations, known as Chappan Bhog, which captivated the hearts of all present. This was followed by a splendid Raja Bhoga Arati, enhanced by resonant bhajans and kirtans, traditional dances, and music. The Seva provided a day-long feast for the soul, with constant distribution of Prasadam.
At the Iskcon temple at Abids, the Janmashtami celebrations saw a long line of devotees stretching for hundreds of metres. The Hare Krishna Golden Temple at Banjara Hills celebrated the festival in a grand manner.
As part of the celebrations, various exhibits and stalls showcased cultural activities within the temple premises, including the Hare Krishna Challenge, Krishna Kids, Bhojanamrita, Aikya Vidya, Folk Youth Preaching, and Tirtha Yatras.
The Maha Abhishekam began in the morning and continued until midnight. As part of this ritual, Sri Radha Govinda was bathed with holy waters from seven sacred rivers of India, rare fruit juices, herbal powders, Himalayan herbs, select flowers, fragrant substances (sugandha dravyas), and medicinal herbs, all amidst ecstatic bhajans and kirtans.
At Veeranagutta’s Shyam Mandir in Kachiguda, devotees from nearby areas gathered with their families to participate in chanting and bhajans. Padma Lahoti, a devotee, remarked, “We fasted all day and took part in all the ritual activities. Participating in the Arati filled our hearts with divine happiness.”
Goverdhan Haveli at Jeera in Secunderabad also held elaborate rituals throughout the day. The temple, beautifully decorated with colourful flowers, was set for all-night devotion, attracting devotees from distant places.
