Krishnashtami Celebrations Held Across Visakhapatnam
Children dressed as Radha and Krishna participated in celebrations while college students in traditional attire attended the programmes at pandals where symbolic milk and butter pots were major attractions.
Visakhapatnam:Krishnashtami was celebrated across Visakhapatnam on Friday with programmes organised at schools, colleges, temples and other spiritual centres.
Children dressed as Radha and Krishna participated in celebrations while college students in traditional attire attended the programmes at pandals where symbolic milk and butter pots were major attractions.
Temples across the city conducted devotional programmes. A Gomata Puja was held at Krishnapuram Goshala under the auspices of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam in Simhachalam. Priests performed special rituals to a cow decorated with garlands as devotees chanted Vedic hymns and prayed for peace and prosperity.
Priests explained the significance of the cow in Sanatana Dharma and its connection with Lord Krishna’s life as a cowherd.
Celebrations at Sagarnagar, home to the largest ISKCON temple in North Andhra, began with Mangala Harathi and Akhanda Harinama Sankirtana. The Hare Krishna movement held its celebrations at Gambheeram in MVP Colony, where Pratah Abhishekam was performed using waters from seven holy rivers, fruit juices and flowers, accompanied by Vedic chants.
District collector Abhishekth Kishore and his wife participated in Jhula Seva to Bala Gopala at Gadi Raju Palace.
Devotees also took part in chanting at the 108-plank Hare Nama Japa Mandapam and performed Jhula Seva to Laddu Gopala brought from Vrindavan. Cultural programmes by artists were among the major attractions.
The Maha Abhishekam and midnight Maha Mangala Arati were held on Friday to mark the divine appearance of Lord Krishna. The rituals were performed with sacred waters, Panchamrita, Panchagavya and flowers, accompanied by Vedic mantras.
The second day of the celebrations, on Saturday would see Vyasa Puja and Nandotsava. The Abhishekam to the deity forms of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and a traditional feast recalling Krishna’s birth in Vrindavan are arranged.
A special Bhajan Clubbing programme has also been scheduled, featuring devotional music and instruments.