Janmashtami celebrated with religious fervour

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 16: Shri Krishna Janmashtami, also known locally as “Thakurein Da Vart”, was celebrated today with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm across Jammu and Kashmir.
Devotees observed the auspicious day with traditional rituals, fasting, and temple visits. The festivities began at midnight, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, with hymns, arti, and the blowing of conch shells in various temples.
The temple premises were beautifully decorated with vibrant illuminations, and long queues of devotees were witnessed since early morning. Cultural and devotional activities, including bhajans and kirtans, enhanced the spiritual atmosphere.
Shri Raghunath Ji Temple in Jammu City witnessed massive gatherings, with devotees seeking blessings and rocking the cradle of Lord Krishna. ISKCON temples at Muthi and Udhampur, Sai Temple in Gandhi Nagar were decorated with flowers, lights, and ornaments, attracting large crowds.
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Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Gandhi Nagar was another major attraction, with devotees waiting in long queues to catch a glimpse of the deity. A colourful Rath Yatra carrying the idols of Lord Krishna was taken out by the Mandir Trust, led by former minister Gulchain Singh Charak.
In the temples, midnight Aarti was performed amidst chants, bells, and conch shells, as devotees offered prayers and received prasad.
In most of the Hindu houses, devotees observed fasts and dressed the idol of Lord Krishna in new attire, and placed it in a cradle to symbolize his divine birth.
On the day, markets remained thrived with the sale of fruits, sweets, kites, flowers, and decorative items while special arrangements were made by the administration to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami was also celebrated with immense fervour, devotion, and traditional zeal at Shri Narsingh Dham Temple, Ghagwal, attracting thousands of devotees from across the district and adjoining areas. Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan visited the temple, offered prayers and also took stock of the facilities available for the devotees.
In Kashmir, Hindu community and Kashmiri Pandits celebrated Janmashtami with religious fervour and took out a procession in the heart of the Srinagar City on Saturday to mark the birthday of Lord Krishna.
The procession started from Ganpatyar temple in Habba Kadal area of the city centre and passed through Kralkhud and Barbarshah, before reaching the clock tower at the historic Lal Chowk amid tight security arrangements.
The city centre came alive with vibrant celebrations as devotees, including men, women and children, some of whom had dressed up as Lord Krishna, sang bhajans and took part in the procession, and dancing alongside the chariot.
Police had put in place adequate security arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the event.

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