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Fervour, gaiety mark Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in city
In Short
A number of programmes were organised marking the festivities
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A group of girls performing a cultural programme as part of the ‘Sri Krishna Janmashtami’ celebrations organised by ISKCON in Visakhapatnam on Friday
Visakhapatnam: From dressing up as little Krishnas and Radhas to organising cultural events and devotional programmes, the city celebrated ‘Sri Krishna Janmashtami’ with religious fervour on Friday.
Several educational institutions organised the festival a couple of days in advance. While the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Hare Krishna Movement and other temples hosted events that continued for days.
As part of the celebrations, ISKCON organised a drone show and Utlotsavam captivating the devotees. The festivities commenced at 4 am with the Mangala Aarti followed by darshan. Temple president Samba Prabhu delivered an inspiring discourse on the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna.
The celebrations featured a 24-hour non-stop ‘Akhanda Harinama Sankirtana’ alongside grand ceremonial baths (Abhishekam) for the deities. Cultural competitions including dance performances and fancy dress contests for children were held. Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, along with several other public representatives and government officials offered prayers at the Sagarnagar premises.
The traditional Utlotsavam (pot-breaking ceremony) took place with enthusiastic participation from several children. A special drone show enthralled the viewers. Scores of devotees gathered throughout the day to seek blessings. Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations were held in a grand manner at NRI’s Indian Springs School, located in Lakshmi Nagar, Chinamushidiwada.
Marking the occasion, students dressed as Lord Krishna and Gopikas presented cultural programmes. The school’s Dean, N. Ramadevi, and Principal, AR Chaitanya, explained the significance of the Janmashtami festival and highlighted the importance of Lord Krishna’s teachings to the students. The students’ cultural performances added to the festive spirit. Teachers and students participated in various programmes organised on the occasion, including the pot-breaking exercise. Also, the other branches, including Sujatha Nagar and MVP Colony, celebrated the festival with a host of programmes. For the convenience of devotees, Hare Krishna Movement celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami at Gadi Raju Palace and Hare Krishna Vaikuntham, Gambeeram. From ceremonial bathing that commenced at 6 am to ‘pratah abhishekam’ with sacred waters collected from seven holy rivers, the Hare Krishna Movement celebrated the festival with granduer at Gambheeram amid Vedic chants, devotional music and Sankirtana.
Following the ‘abhishekam’, Nishkarshana Bhakta Dasa, president, Hare Krishna Movement, explained the spiritual significance and importance of Sri Krishna Janmashtami to the devotees.
At Gadi Raju Palace, District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore along with his wife, participated in the celebrations. The celebrations here commenced with Jhula Seva (swing service) to Bala Gopala. A special Hare Nama Japa Mandapam with 108 planks was arranged for devotees. As part of the celebrations, devotees had the opportunity to perform Jhula Seva to Laddu Gopala, who was brought from Vrindavan. Cultural programmes, bhajan clubbing, maha abhishekam and Maha Mangala Arati formed part of the celebrations.
