Kathmandu, September 4
Followers of the Vedic Sanatana faith are celebrating Krishna Janmashtami across the country today with reverence and devotion, offering prayers to Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna, regarded as the proponent of Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga, is believed to have been born at midnight on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Bhadra during the Dwapara Yuga. The day is therefore observed as Krishna Janmashtami, while the night is known as ‘Moharatri’.
On the occasion, temples across the country hold religious discourses and devotional singing and chanting, known as bhajan-kirtan. Devotees also observe fasts and stay awake throughout the night as part of the celebrations.
Regarded as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Krishna is believed to have been born to protect humanity from injustice, oppression and evil. He championed truth throughout his life and inspired people to follow the path of righteousness.
The Shreemad Bhagavad Gita, believed to contain the teachings delivered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers, during the battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas at Kurukshetra, is revered as a sacred Hindu scripture. Commonly known as the Gita, the text is regarded as one of the world’s most widely translated works.
According to the Hindu Puranas, Krishna displayed extraordinary divine powers from childhood and defeated demonic figures including Putana, Kamsa, Jarasandha and Shishupala.
On the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, a large fair is being held today at the famous Krishna Mandir in Mangalbazar, Patan. Similarly, large numbers of devotees are gathering at Navatan Dham in Kageshwari-Manohara Municipality in the northeastern part of Kathmandu.
Devotees are also flocking to Krishna temples across the country. Various religious organisations in Kathmandu traditionally organise cultural processions and chariot parades featuring tableaux depicting scenes associated with Lord Krishna.
The government has declared a public holiday today to mark the festival.
—RSS
