Celebration to mark Krishna's birth
Hundreds of people are expected for a celebration in Dunedin tonight marking the birth of Indian deity Krishna.
The Hindu community are celebrating Janmashtami — the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu — tonight at the Shri Radha Shyamsunder Temple in Queens Dr, St Kilda.
Preacher Sankirtan Krishnadas said about 300 people were expected at the celebration that would go from 6pm to midnight.
The Hindu community was very enthusiastic in Dunedin and had spent the week decorating the temple in preparation for the celebration, he said.
Janmashtami is one of the biggest celebrations in India and it includes worshipping, dancing and sharing of food.
Tonight's celebration will include a special bathing ceremony for a statue of Krishna in milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, coconut water and fruit juices.
That will be followed by discussions about the deity, including why he likes butter and plays the flute.
A lot of devotees fast until midnight in anticipation of Krishna's birth.
The Dunedin Hare Krishna community is also hosting a separate celebration for Janmashtami at the Trinity Catholic College auditorium at 7pm.
mark.john@odt.co.nz
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