Chandigarh: Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on Friday, with temples beautifully decorated and devotees gathering in large numbers to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.
Janmashtami, observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with devotion across the country.
Temples across the region resonated with devotional chants, bhajans and the sounds of conch shells as devotees celebrated Janmashtami with traditional fervour. Devotees observed fasts and offered prayers, while special pujas, kirtans, religious discourses and cultural programmes were organised at various religious places.
In Chandigarh, prominent temples witnessed a steady stream of devotees throughout the day. The temples were decorated with flowers, colourful lights and tableaux depicting episodes from the life of Lord Krishna. Children dressed as Krishna and Radha added to the festive atmosphere.
Devotees observed fasts and participated in celebrations that continued throughout the day, with preparations intensifying ahead of the traditional midnight celebrations marking Krishna’s birth. As evening approached, devotees gathered in larger numbers for special programmes leading up to midnight, when the birth of Lord Krishna was traditionally celebrated amid devotional singing, ringing of bells and chants.
Special prayer ceremonies, bhajan-kirtans and religious programmes were organised at temples in different cities and towns.
In several places, children dressed as Krishna and Radha added colour to the festivities, while devotees participated in devotional singing and religious discourses.
Markets and temple surroundings also witnessed festive activity, with stalls selling sweets, fruits, devotional items and decorative material. Security arrangements were strengthened at major temples and crowded religious sites to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.
The atmosphere turned particularly festive in the evening as devotees gathered in large numbers for special programmes leading up to midnight, when the birth of Lord Krishna was celebrated amid chants of “Hare Krishna” and “Nand Ke Anand Bhayo.”
