There is a buzz of Sri Krishna Janmashtami across the country. Temples are glittering with lights and their walls decorated with flowers and garlands look blooming. The courtyards are decorated with peacock feathers and when the sound of bells and gongs is raised, the voice of ‘Haathi-Ghoda Palki-Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki’ reverberates up to the sky.
Nature is also in sync with the faith of the devotees in such a way that clouds gather every now and then and pour down rain. This is the scene from Delhi-NCR to the birthplace of Mathura, but the celebration of Kanha’s birth anniversary is not limited to any village, district, city or state, the chant rises from one place and reverberates in every corner of the country in its own dialect.
The cheers for Lala Kanhaiya of Mathura, on reaching Kerala, transform into Govindaya Namo Namah, the languages may be different but the sentiments are the same, the faith is the same and the joy is also the same. The great poet Raskhan had written the same thing in his own style like this
I saw the peacock flute in my heart, my heart is filled with joy,
Since that day, who has not spoken to these enemies, my friend?
Now Raskhan has started loving me, some said one, some said lakhs,
And hence there was no colour left, one colour was colourful and hence there was no colour left.
What poet Raskhan means to say is that ever since he saw the divine form of Shri Krishna, his mind got away from the worldly attachments and drowned in the love of his Kanhaiya. There is no other color (desire) left now, the only color left is the color of love of Rangile (Shri Krishna).
The beauty of the birthplace temple in Mathura is shining
Now if we talk about the celebration of Janmashtami across the country, the decoration and grandeur of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mandir Bhagwat Bhawan in Mathura has become even more beautiful after the rain. There is a lot of hustle bustle in the temples and markets of the city, devotees are busy buying everything from Kanha’s clothes to makeup items. At the same time, there is a huge crowd of devotees in the Janmabhoomi temple. Here, divine darshan of Sanatan Yugal Jodi is being done in the court, after 12 o’clock late night when Janm Abhishek will be done, then Bal Krishna, Laddu Gopal will be seen.
Grand preparations in Dehradun too: Preparations for Janmashtami have been made in full swing in the markets of Dehradun. From Kanha’s dress to swings, palanquins, and makeup items are available in new forms and colours. Special decorations have been done in the temples, and devotees are shopping for Thakur ji’s turban and other clothes.
Kite Flying Festival in Karauli: The old tradition of kite flying is being followed on the occasion of Janmashtami in Karauli, Rajasthan. Since morning, the youth and children of the city are seen flying kites on the roofs. The echo of “Ye kata, wo mara” can be heard in the streets here. The kite flying continued till evening amidst rain and wind, where along with kite flying, a different style of looters was also seen.
ISKCON temple in Prayagraj is a charming sight: Radha Krishna has been specially decorated in the ISKCON temple in Sangam city Prayagraj. The charming image of Radha-Krishna dressed in jewel-studded attire is attracting devotees. Devotees are seen dancing to Krishna bhajans in the temple.
Organizing a procession in Kerala: In Thiruvananthapuram, a procession was organised by Balagokulam in which Union Minister George Kurien and other BJP leaders also participated. A huge crowd of devotees gathered in this procession and the festival was celebrated with great pomp.
Devotees gathered in Madan Mohan temple of Karauli: A huge crowd of devotees gathered in Shri Radha Madan Mohan temple of Karauli since morning. Special arrangements were made for various darshans of the temple, but due to the huge crowd of devotees, there was a situation of jostling. Krishna Janma Abhishek program will be organized at 12 o’clock at night amid gun salute.
The atmosphere of joy and devotion on Shri Krishna Janmashtami is at its peak in different parts of the country. Every city, every temple is drenched in the devotion of Lord Krishna, and devotees are celebrating this holy festival with full devotion and enthusiasm.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)