Devotees from all walks of life filled the Shree Shree Govindajee and ISKCON temples in Manipur’s capital Imphal on Saturday to offer devotion on ‘Krishna Janmashtami,’ the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be the 8th Avatar (incarnation) of Hindu god Lord Vishnu.
Soaked in devotion, the chant of ‘Hare Krishna’ and ‘Kirtan’ reverberated through the ISKCON temple compound at Ghari on Imphal-Airport Road. The festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the nurturing of divine love.
Since early morning, devotees thronged both the ISKCON Temple and Shri Govindaji Temple to offer prayers and worship. Kirtan was performed throughout the day, with devotees singing in devotion and creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
In the evening, ‘Ras Leela,’ depicting the life of Krishna, was performed as the main highlight of the celebration. Children actively took part in the performance, portraying and enacting the divine roles of Shri Krishna and Radha, much to the delight of devotees present.
Falling on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha, it is observed with fasting, devotional singing, dramatic enactments of Krishna’s life, and midnight puja. According to Drik Panchang, this year marks the 5,252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. The festival in Manipur, as in other parts of the country, is being observed over two days.
