Hyderabad Celebrates Janmashtami With Fervour
At the Hare Krishna Golden Temple, Banjara Hills, devotees thronged for darshan from early morning: Reports
HYDERABAD: The city celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami with devotion on Friday, as people thronged temples from early morning. Families installed idols, offered fruits and butter, and invited relatives and neighbours. Schools held special programmes with toddlers dressed as Lord Krishna. In several localities, residents organised “Utti” events, where pots were tied high and participants attempted to break them. Despite cloudy skies and spells of rain, temples saw heavy turnout.
At Sri Sri Radha Madanmohan Mandir in Abids, which was decorated with flowers, thousands of devotees queued for darshan. The area resembled a carnival, with toy sellers and makeshift stalls lining the streets. Many used the Metro rail services to reach the temple. Schools also celebrated the festival with enthusiasm. “The children dressed as Krishna and parents were thrilled to take pictures,” said S. Anuradha, a teacher at a private school.
At Sri Krishna Temple, Trimulgherry, devotees gathered in large numbers. L. Harika of Sainikpuri said, “This Janmashtami is special as it coincided with our daughter’s sixth birthday, so we celebrated both together.” Some households set up pandals with swings carrying baby Krishna idols. Kilada Premalatha of Bhalapur, who has followed the tradition for four decades, said, “We invite relatives and friends and offer Krishna his favourite foods.”
At the Hare Krishna Golden Temple, Banjara Hills, devotees thronged for darshan from early morning. Temple authorities said thousands participated in rituals beginning with Shodashopachara Seva at 6 am. Lord Radha Govinda was adorned with flowers, new attire and jewellery, followed by Shringara Arati and the Jhulan Seva of Laddu Gopal. The day included Sri Sudarshana Narasimha homa for welfare and prosperity, offering of 56 food preparations (Chappan Bhog), Raja Bhoga Arati with bhajans and kirtans, and traditional dance seva.