Across India, Lord Krishna’s devotees celebrated Janmashtami with fervour on Monday, and flocked to temples to offer prayers. The sound of bells, mridangam, and conch shells echoed at all the temples, and shrines were decorated with colourful lights and flowers on the festive occasion.
The occasion is celebrated in a particularly grand fashion in Mathura and Vrindavan, where it is believed that Krishna was born and raised.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday inaugurated Shri Krishna Janmotsav in Mathura. He also offered prayers at Banke Bihari Temple.
Security arrangements were made for Janmashtami at Mathura's Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. Mathura Additional Superintendent of Police (Security) Bajrang Bali Chaurasia informed ANI that more than 2,000 security personnel were deployed in the region.
Women devotees who had come to Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple were seen singing and dancing in celebration.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav offered prayers at Radha Krishna Temple in Lucknow.
In Delhi, at the Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Temple, a morning aarti was performed.
At Noida's ISKCON Temple, people were seen rejoicing with dance and music. Devotees had gathered in large numbers to celebrate the festival. ISKCON National Communications Director & VP, East Of Kailash, Vrajendra Nandan Das said that 'Maha Aarti' will be held at midnight.
Das said, "ISKCON is organising Shri Krishna Janmashtami in the entire world. As soon as the doors of ISKCON Delhi opened today at 4:30 pm, thousands of devotees thronged the temple to have a glimpse of the god. The 'Maha Abhishek' will begin at 9.30 pm, and later at 11 pm 'Chhappan Bhog' will be offered to Lord Krishna. 'Maha Aarti' will be held at midnight. I hope more than 5 lakh devotees will offer their prayers today..."
Devotees also gathered at the ISKCON Temple in the East of Kailash to celebrate Lord Krishna's birthday with full pomp and devotion.