Janmashtami fervour grips Mumbai as devotees throng temples
Aartis and bhajans filled the air as religious fervour swept Mumbai on Friday, with Krishna temples across the city opening to massive crowds of faithfuls gathering for early prayers on Janmashtami.
The city is also gearing up for Saturday’s Dahi Handi celebrations, when several spirited teams of Govindas will build human pyramids to break curd and milk-filled earthen pots suspended at considerable heights on street corners.
Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Krishnashtami, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.
Flowers and vibrant lights adorned Lord Krishna temples across the metropolis, setting the backdrop for devotional programmes and special prayers.
At the ISKCON temple in Girgaon Chowpatty, a grand ‘Mangala Aarti’ started the early-morning rituals, drawing steady streams of devotees.
Extending his greetings to devotees worldwide, spiritual leader Keshav Chandra Das termed Janmashtami a deeply auspicious occasion.
“Lord Sri Krishna was born at midnight, in the darkness, and He illuminated the entire world through the Bhagavad Gita. Through Arjuna, He delivered a very beautiful and essential message to all of humanity,” Das said.
The excitement was equally palpable across residential societies, where adults and children joined in traditional cultural performances ahead of household pujas, which will begin at midnight.
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and police have put elaborate security protocols and traffic diversions in place at major venues to handle the massive turnout expected for Saturday’s Dahi Handi festivities. With prominent political leaders and organisations hosting Dahi Handi events, the festivities are set to draw celebrities, massive crowds, and Govinda teams competing for trophies and cash prizes.
