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Joyous Celebrations Across India

New Delhi, Aug 16: Spiritual leaders and devotees throughout India have come together to celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami, emphasizing the importance of love and harmony as imparted by Lord Krishna.

This significant festival, deeply rooted in Hindu culture, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna on the Ashtami Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. It represents themes of devotion, justice, and the victory of love.

In Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, festivities commenced with great enthusiasm and reverence.

Swami Mahendra Das Maharaj, the Chairman of Shri Ramakrishna International Janki Vallabh Mandir in Vrindavan, expressed his heartfelt wishes, stating, "Warm Janmashtami greetings to everyone. Lord Shri Krishna embodies the essence of joy. The love, harmony, and devotion we experience today are largely influenced by Him. In Vrindavan, the Janmashtami celebrations are taking place in a magnificent and divine manner at Banke Bihari Temple and Janki Vallabh Temple."

He further noted, "In Janmabhoomi Mathura, we are also witnessing grand celebrations for Shri Krishna Janmashtami. This is a moment of joy for all of us, and we will celebrate it with great enthusiasm. The Mahaabhishek of Lord Krishna will be performed using seven types of juices and panchamrit, followed by a lavish feast offered to Him."

The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura has been adorned with beautiful flowers and lights, attracting thousands of devotees who come to offer their prayers.

Performances of Radha-Krishna Leela are scheduled at Bhagwat Bhawan Leela Manch within the Janmabhoomi complex, alongside various cultural events. Approximately 400 artists will showcase their talents at the temple grounds and city squares.

These celebrations are organized over the weekend by the Uttar Pradesh Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad and the Tourism Department.

Vrindavan is also experiencing vibrant festivities, with streets and temples echoing with the chants of 'Hare Krishna' as devotees immerse themselves in spiritual joy.

Preparations are also underway at Panchmukhi Temple in Nashik, Maharashtra.

Bhakti Charan Das Maharaj, the national spokesperson for Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, remarked, "On this sacred occasion, everyone should offer their prayers to Lord Krishna. The program is in full swing, with collective participation from all devotees."

At ISKCON's Madhuban Ashram in Rishikesh, a grand celebration is on the agenda, with temple idols dressed in garments sourced from Vrindavan.

Parmanand Das Maharaj, President of Madhuban Ashram, conveyed his wishes, saying, "Happy Janmashtami to all! We are celebrating this festival with immense enthusiasm at Madhuban Ashram. It holds divine significance for us Sanatanis, as it marks the birth of Lord Krishna."

Throughout India, temples are beautifully decorated with flowers, and homes are prepared for the festivities.

Traditions include fasting, temple visits, prayer offerings, and the preparation of sweets made from milk products. Devotees also engage in devotional singing, scripture recitation, and reenactments of Krishna's life as depicted in the Bhagavata Purana.

Celebrations typically extend until midnight, the moment believed to signify the divine birth of Lord Krishna, at which point devotees break their fast with a festive meal, marking the end of one of Hinduism's most cherished celebrations.