Little Krishnas, Gopikas Fill Kerala Streets With Festive Spirit on Ashtami Rohini

Kerala's streets turned festive on Friday as children dressed as Lord Krishna, Radha and Gopikas joined colourful Shobhayatras organised across the state to mark Ashtami Rohini, celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.

Organised by the Balagokulam outfit at various locations, the processions brought together children, families and devotees amid devotional songs and traditional percussion performances.

Children dressed in vibrant Krishna and Gopika costumes walked alongside their parents and devotees, while decorated tableaux depicting episodes from Krishna's life added colour and grandeur to the celebrations.

The tableaux portrayed various stages of Krishna's life, ranging from his playful childhood acts to his divine deeds. Large numbers of people gathered along the procession routes, turning the events into prominent public celebrations of Krishna Jayanthi.

The combination of children in traditional costumes, musical performances, colourful tableaux and devotional activities has made Shobhayatras an important part of Ashtami Rohini celebrations across Kerala.

Earlier in the day, political leaders extended greetings to the people on the occasion.

Ashtami Rohini, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Sreekrishna Jayanthi, is observed on the eighth lunar day, or Ashtami Tithi, when the Rohini Nakshatra prevails.

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan shared an image of infant Krishna on Facebook and conveyed his greetings to the people.

State Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph said the festival carried a message of love and peace and extended his wishes to the people.

Higher Education Minister Rojy M John said Lord Krishna, who was born in prison during the reign of his maternal uncle Kamsa and is revered as Ambadi's Krishna, represented the victory of dharma over adharma.

Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan said Ashtami Rohini served as a reminder that the light of dharma should prevail whenever darkness and adharma spread. He also highlighted Krishna's place in Kerala's cultural consciousness and his depiction in the works of renowned poets such as Poonthanam and Vallathol.

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said the festival should inspire people to build a society based on love, happiness and equality. He said Krishna's teachings remained relevant and could encourage people to confront challenges, uphold their duties and stand against injustice.

Vijayan also called for Krishna Jayanthi to inspire people to oppose adharma, support those facing hardship and strengthen feelings of love and brotherhood.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said Lord Krishna's teachings on dharma, courage and justice should continue to guide people. He wished for peace, happiness and prosperity for every family on the occasion of Janmashtami.

Special pujas were conducted at Krishna temples across Kerala, with the Guruvayur Sreekrishna Temple witnessing a significant influx of devotees.

At the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, hundreds of devotees participated in the Ashtami Rohini Sadya, a traditional community feast organised as part of the celebrations.

with inputs from PTI