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Time of India

Janmashtami celebrated with devotion in state

1 2 Bhubaneswar: Janmashtami was celebrated with festive spirit and joy across the state on Friday. Devotees thronged several important religious sites, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri and Iskcon Temple in Bhubaneswar, among others, to celebrate the festival. Many devotees gathered at temples and homes to perform puja at midnight, when it is believed that Krishna was born, while many observed a "nirjala" fast (without water) or the "phalahar" fast (fruits and milk only). Many places across the state organised devotional songs and dances to honour Krishna's divine nature. In temples and homes, baby Krishna idols were bathed in "panchamrit", dressed in new clothes, and placed in cradles. Though primarily dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the Srimandira in Puri celebrated Janmashtami with symbolic enactments of Krishna's birth, "sandhya dhupa", and placing Lord Madan Mohan in a chariot near the prayer hall. The rituals included dramatic portrayals of Krishna's birth and special prasad. "The Janmashtami celebration of Srimandira is unique. The enactment of the exact story of Lord Krishna's birth is amazing. I came here for the first time during Janmashtami, and I am feeling blessed to witness such a celebration," Bidhan Kumar, a devotee at Puri, said. Iskcon Temple in Bhubaneswar, in the meantime, hosted midnight Maha Arti, bhajans, and devotional gatherings. Thousands of devotees participated in the celebrations. "Every year I come to Iskcon to celebrate Janmashtami. It is a divine feeling," Srimayee Jena, a devotee, said. Dedicated to the milk-stealing form of Krishna, Khirachora Gopinath Temple in Remuna, Balasore, which is popular for its sweet offerings and Nanda Utsav celebrations, also made special arrangements for Janmashtami. Devotees thronged the temple from early in the morning. Similarly, Sakhigopal Temple in Puri, also known as Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple, Ananta Basudeva Temple in Bhubaneswar, Sabar Srikhetra in Koraput, and Nilamadhaba Temple in Kantilo, Nayagarh, also made special arrangements for the grand celebration of Janmashtami. "Janmashtami is the occasion when we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. As we have read in scriptures, Lord Krishna came to the earth to overpower evil. Lord Krishna is a symbol of love and affection," Arati Behera, a devotee at Iskcon Temple, said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.