![People celebrating Janamashtami in Jammu (left) and Srinagar (right). —Excelsior pics by Rakesh & Shakeel People celebrating Janamashtami in Jammu (left) and Srinagar (right). —Excelsior pics by Rakesh & Shakeel](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/page1-2-7.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 7: Along with other parts of the country, Shri-Krishna Janamashtami was celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety across Jammu and Kashmir today.
On the auspicious occasion that marks the birthday of Lord Krishna, people observed fast and offered prayers amid Bhajans and traditional rituals. All the temples, especially Radha-Krishan temples here were beautifully decorated for the occasion where devotees were seen thronging.
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Heavy rush of devotees was witnessed during the late night rituals at the Radha-Krishan temples when priests performed the traditional prayers and rituals to mark the birth of Lord Krishna at 12 pm.
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust Gandhi Nagar organized a grand celebration of Shri Krishna Janamashtami starting with Shri Ganesh and Nav Greh Pooja followed by a colourful Rath Yatra carrying the idols of Lord Krishna in a profusely decorated ‘Rath’. Thereafter, Shree Bhagwat Katha was performed by Swami Ajay Sharan Shastri of Vrindavan. At 12:00 pm, Maha-Arti was organized and Prasad was distributed.
The Janamashtami festival was also celebrated in Vaishno Devi Mandir, Puran Nagar, Bhagwati Nagar Jammu, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. Devotees visited the temple and recited Bhajan and Kirtan. Mahant Lucky Baba performed the rituals and also threw light on Bhagwan Krishna’s life and teachings.
Reports from Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Poonch, Rajouri and other places said that similar Janamashtami celebrations were held and Prasad was distributed among the devotees.
In Srinagar, Kashmiri Pandits took out a Shobha Yatra on the auspicious occasion and celebrated Janamashtami festival with religious fervor and gaiety.
The Yatra with a group of children dressed in traditional attire on a “Jhanki” was taken out from Kathleshwar temple in Tankipora area in Srinagar and passed through the roads of Habbakadal, Ganpatyar, Barbar Shah, Regal Chowk, Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street and Jahangir Chowk, amid tight security arrangements.
Chanting religious hymns, a good number of Kashmiri Pandits accompanied the yatra that passed off peacefully. On the occasion, president of the Hindu Welfare Society of Kashmir, Chunni Lal prayed for the peace and prosperity of the whole humanity.
Janamashtmi was also celebrated in Tri-Murti Mandir Trust Janipur Colony Jammu where the devotees from adjoining areas thronged. After Bhajan Kirtan in the day, Pooja was performed in the night and Prasad was distributed among the devotees.
Krishna Janamashtami was also celebrated by Shiv Shakti Mandir Sanstha Pamposh Colony Janipur where large number of devotees took part in the programme.