Janmashtami celebrated across Hubballi-Dharwad

Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, was celebrated with great zeal across Hubballi-Dharwad on Friday. Temples, schools, and cultural organizations hosted special prayers, rituals, and programs to honor the occasion. Students at Rashtrrothana Vidya Kendra in Dharwad showcased their devotion through devotional songs and dances, as well as a Radha-Krishna ramp walk.

At educational institutions managed by the Janata Shikshana Samiti in Hubballi-Dharwad, children dressed as Krishna and Radha participated in the festivities, adding vibrancy to the celebrations.

At ISKCON Hubballi-Dharwad, a two-day celebration concluded with the participation of hundreds of devotees. The festivities commenced at 4.30 a.m. on the final day with mangalarati and the chanting of Sri Gurvastakam. The deities were adorned in the 'Vrindavan Chandra Alankara', a blue-and-gold ensemble crafted in Vrindavan. Devotees engaged in darshan, archana, and various sevas throughout the day, including a special offering of 108 delicacies to the gods.

A 160-kg laddu made with desi ghee was among the highlights of the celebrations. The evening featured music and dance performances by artistes from the twin cities, followed by a dance drama by Mayur Natya Kendra and a tabla jugalbandi by Manu Kumar and his team. The deities were ceremonially bathed with sandalwood oil, panchagavya, panchamrita, fruit juices, and gem-infused water before their midnight reveal, accompanied by verses from the Brahma Samhita and maha-mangalarati.

Devotees observed a full-day fast during the celebration, adding to the spiritual ambiance. The celebrations across Hubballi-Dharwad incorporated traditional rituals, devotional music, cultural performances, and activities for children, allowing the younger generation to learn about the cultural traditions associated with Janmashtami. A "breaking the curd pot" contest was held as part of the festivities, with similar contests planned for Saturday in various locations across the twin cities.