Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) With elaborately decorated cradles to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, Janmashtami celebrations began in Delhi Monday with much gaiety.

At the ISKCON temple, the day began as early as 4.30 a.m. with prayers. The temple was beautifully decorated with streamers and lights which would be lit up at night.

“The Janmashtami celebrations began with the Mangala aarti. There was the Guru puja after that and the Maha Abhishek,” a member of the temple said.

“A large number of people have started coming from early morning. The scene will remain the same and through the day. At night, the crowd will increase manifold. Prasad (offerings) will be distributed to all the devotees,” the member added.

Ashima Misra, a homemaker, said that she, like most other people, was observing a fast.

“On Janmashtami, we generally fast. However, some people eat fruit and a few other specific items. The actual festivity begins late at night when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born,” Misra said.

Shravani Sharma, a school teacher, said that she will dress up her two-year-old son as Krishna in the evening for the celebrations in the community.

“Janmashtami celebrations are great fun in our locality. Devotional songs are sung and small girls dress up in all their finery imitating Krishna’s friends and dance. I will dress up my son as Krishna in a yellow dhoti, complete with a crown with a peacock feather,” Sharma said.

“We have also decorated a cradle…which symbolises the birth of Krishna. At midnight, we will visit the temple and offer prayers,” she added.