The holy city of Mathura buzzed with vibrant festivities on Monday as thousands of devotees from across India descended on the town to celebrate Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna.
The Krishna Janmabhoomi temple was a central hub of activity, hosting the early morning 'Mangala Aarti'.
The temple grounds were filled with the sounds of jubilant chants, including 'Jai Jai Shri Radhey' and 'Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki', as hundreds of worshippers participated in the ceremony. Following the aarti, devotees were offered 'Charnamrit', a sacred offering.
In Gokul, the Nand Bhavan temple drew a large crowd for the 'Chhathi Pujan' programme, according to temple priest Mathura Das.
The atmosphere was one of festivity and reverence as pilgrims gathered for the significant event.
"I feel really happy here and why not, it's the birthday celebration of Lord Krishna," said Himani, a young devotee.
At the Krishna Janmasthan temple, the morning saw several devotees breaking into dance, accompanied by the melodic sounds of clarinets and drums, interspersed with shlokas and chants.
Temple officials noted that the devotees were provided with 'Charnamrit' after the 'Mangala Aarti'.
On the previous evening, a grand procession was held at Srikrishna Janmasthan, featuring priests carrying the sacred attire of Radha Krishna and other deities.
This event, characterised by the chanting of Vedic hymns and the sound of conch shells, set a divine tone for the celebrations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took part in the festivities, offering special prayers to the deities.
“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 posted on X.
In Vrindavan, the Radha Shyam Sundar temple was abuzz with activity from the morning, commencing with uninterrupted 'Hari Naam Sankirtan', a devotional chant session that will continue until 2 AM.
Temple Mahant Krishna Gopalanand Deo Prabhupaad highlighted the enthusiasm of devotees, some of whom had queued since 4 AM for a glimpse of the deities.
"I am very excited for the festival. The 'poshaak' (dresses) of the deities look extremely beautiful," Bhakti, a young girl said.
At the Dwarkadhish temple, Janmashtami began with the melodious sounds of the flute, clarinet, and mini drums.
“Thousands participated in the morning 'Abhishek' ceremony at the temple,” said temple spokesperson Rakesh Tewari, noting that devotees usually start their fast after taking Charnamrit.
The bathing ceremony of the deity was performed at several locations, including Mathura's Old Keshav Dev temple, Govardhan's Daan Ghati temple, Chaurasi Khamba Mahaban, and Radha Shyam Sundar temple in Vrindavan.
“I feel so good here, and do not feel like going anywhere else. Seeing the idols of the god, I feel blessed. The way Lord Krishna and Radha Rani have been dressed up, it looks beautiful and is as if God himself has appeared to give his darshan to devotees,” said a middle-aged woman devotee.
Pilgrims also performed the traditional circumambulation of the Govardhan hill, a ritual believed to bring good fortune on this auspicious day, according to Daan Ghati temple's priest Mathura Prasad Kaushik.
District Magistrate Shailendra Singh reported that Mathura had been extensively decorated for the occasion. Decorations were prominently displayed at key road crossings and along the streets.
“There has been no untoward incident so far,” the DM added.
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