Govinda aala re!

The birthday of one of the most beloved Gods, Lord Krishna is being celebrated across the country on Thursday. Devotees are observing fast and dahi handi festivals have been arranged. Homes and temples have been decorated with colourful lights and flowers.

“Lord Krishna was born at midnight, so celebrations lead up to that time after which various poojas and rituals will take place in the Shree Krishna Mandir in MCME,” informed Ravikant Sharma, member of the temple committee.

“Every year more than thousand devotees visit the temple to offer prayer. Around 5.30am, we will start with Mangal Aarti. On Wednesday night, there will be a jaagran where devotees sing bhajans with full enthusiasm,” he said.

“During this day Lord Krishna is given a ritualistic bath with milk and curd, dressed up in traditional clothes and placed in the cradle. It is then rocked while the devotees chant prayers and hymns. Devotees believe that any wish made while the cradle is rocked, comes true on this day. People offer Panchamrit and chappan bhog (56 dishes) to God. Later, they distribute among the devotees who break their fast with this,” said Sharma.

“This year, we planned for religious play like Raasleela will be shown; the main theme of the play is about Krishna’s love for Radha,” he Special arrangements have been made for devotees. “There will be four teams for dahi handi competition at the premises on Wednesday night,” informed the committee member.

By Rashmi Kumari