Odisha celebrates Krishna Janmashtami with devotion and fervor

Bhubaneswar: Krishna Janmashtami, the auspicious festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, was observed with great devotion and enthusiasm across Odisha today.

Devotees across the state engaged in various religious rituals, special prayers, fasting and cultural activities to celebrate the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Religious ceremonies and devotional activities

Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, including the famous ones in Puri, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and other cities, were beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. Special ‘abhishekam’ (ritual bath), ‘bhajans’ (devotional songs), and ‘kirtans’ (chanting of hymns) were performed throughout the day.

Devotees thronged to temples, observing fasting and singing devotional songs to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna.

In many temples, particularly the ISKCON temples in Bhubaneswar and other locations, the celebrations extended into the night with cultural programs, including dance performances depicting the life of Lord Krishna.

The temples also organized ‘Jhulan Yatra’ (swing ceremony), where an idol of Lord Krishna is placed on a decorated swing, and devotees take turns to gently push the swing.

Observances at Puri Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple in Puri held elaborate rituals and special prayers to mark the occasion. The temple priests performed a series of traditional ceremonies, and the deities of Lord Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra were adorned in new attire.

Community gatherings and festive spirit

The festival also saw a strong sense of community bonding, with people from all walks of life coming together to participate in the festivities.

Children dressed up as Lord Krishna and Radha added a special charm to the festivities.

Security measures at Jalespata Ashram in Kandhamal

The security measures at Jalespata Ashram in Kandhamal district have been strengthened by the Odisha police in view of Janmashtami festivities.

Inspector General (IG) of the Southern Range Jai Narayan Pankaj and Superintendent of Police (SP) Suvendu Kumar Patra reviewed security plans for the Krishna Janmashtami festival.

Lakhs of devotees are expected to take part in the celebration which also coincides with the death anniversary of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, who was killed along with his four security personnel on August 23, 2008.

Sand art by Sudarsan Pattnaik

Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has crafted a compelling sand sculpture at Puri Beach in Odisha, bearing the powerful message ‘Kill the Evil’ on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.