Glimpses from Janmashtami celebrations taking shape across India before the festival.
On Friday, Kashmiri Pandits participated in a colourful procession as part of Janmashtami celebrations in Srinagar, with tight security arrangements deployed along the route.
A long-standing Janmashtami celebration in Kolkata's Mominpore, known for its syncretic culture with significant Muslim participation, is undergoing a major change. BJP leader Rakesh Singh has taken charge, forming an exclusively Hindu organising committee, sparking a debate about religious harmony, political influence, and the nature of shared festivals in the city.
Janmashtami is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a celebration of Lord Krishna.
Blind students at the Kamla Mehta Blind School in Dadar, north Mumbai, celebrated Janmashtami with a traditional Dahi Handi event.
Mathura transformed into a fortress for Shri Krishna Janmashtami, with heavy security and traffic restrictions in place for the Krishna Mahotsav. Authorities have implemented strict measures, including social media monitoring and restricted items at the temple, to ensure the safety of devotees.
Sanjay Sah, a 30-year-old employee, was rescued from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Nepal after nine days. He attributed his survival to chanting 'Hare Krishna' and was miraculously rescued on Krishna Janmashtami. Another worker, Kabir Maharjan, was also rescued but required further medical treatment. Sah, a foreman, stayed behind to ensure others' safety during the initial disaster.
Along with prayers and devotion to Lord Krishna, Janmashtami brings food celebrations, of course.
A look at the top tweets from your favourite Bollywood celebrities.
The auspicious festival of Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is being celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm today.
The massive crowds of devotees in temples, elaborately decorated tableaus and Dahi Handi revelry were all missing this year on Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, as celebrations were dampened by COVID-19 restrictions.
Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra turned tragic with two fatalities and over 130 'Govindas' injured. A seven-year-old boy died in Mumbai after a brick column collapsed, while a woman was crushed by an iron frame in Pune. Authorities are investigating the incidents, and political leaders have urged for safety during the festivities.
A glimpse into how India celebrates the birth of Lorrd Krishna. Take a look
In Pune, 31 prominent Ganapati mandals celebrated a "DJ-free" Dahi Handi, advocating for traditional instruments over high-decibel sound systems for upcoming festivals like Ganeshotsav. This initiative, led by Punit Balan, aims to preserve Maharashtra's cultural heritage and reduce noise pollution, gaining support from around 200 mandals and the Chief Minister.
With swine flu deaths in Maharashtra on the rise, political parties have appealed to the people to organise low-key 'dahi handi' programmes on Janmashtami to avoid the spread of the virus. "Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray has appealed to the people to celebrate Janmashtami at home and desist from crowding the streets in the backdrop of the situation," Sena spokesperson Neelam Ghore said.Janmashtami will be celebrated across the country on Friday.
'Earlier, Ganeshotsav was social. Now it is all about social media.'
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a permanent, year-round food safety calendar to ensure public health during major festivals. This first-of-its-kind initiative categorises festivals into three levels and implements a four-stage inspection mechanism, focusing on preventing adulteration and unsafe food practices for high-demand products like sweets, dairy, and edible oils.
More than a dozen Shiv Sena functionaries, including district and city unit chiefs and an MLA's son, have been booked for allegedly assaulting, abusing, and threatening hospital staff in Palghar. The incident occurred after 'govindas' injured during Dahi Handi celebrations were brought for treatment, and a dispute arose over medical bills. The NCP (SP) has condemned the incident, calling it an attack on the medical system and the rule of law, and demanded strict action.
Oriental Insurance has insured around 100 Ganesh pandals this year compared with only 20-30 last year.
'The Ayodhya incident has certainly hurt the faith of all of us, of Ram devotees like us.'
An estimated 75,000 people from all walks of life celebrated the festival of Janmashtami at a famous temple in Watford in the United Kingdom, participating in plays and dancing to mark the birthday of Lord Krishna.\n\n
The developments came after an FIR was registered in the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Film folk have been busy celebrating Janmashtami in many interesting ways.
Film folk celebrate Lord Krishna's birthday, Janmashtami.
Kashmiri Pandits took part in a Janmashtami procession amid tight security in Srinagar on Friday.
Film folk share their memories of Janamasthami celebrations with throwback pictures.
A large number of devotees, including Pandits and other locals, filled the streets with religious slogans, dancing, and joy.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik faces criticism after Rapido, the bike taxi aggregator he exposed for illegal operations, became the lead sponsor for a 'Dahi Handi' event organized by his family.
The Dahi Handi ritual, part of the Janmashtami festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna, saw enthusiastic participation by revellers in the metropolis, its adjoining areas and other parts of Maharashtra. The festival was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in Mumbai and other parts of the state.
A football themed dahi handi was made specially for Ranbir, knowing his love for the sport.
Bollywood has often celebrated Lord Krishna with lovely songs over the years. On the festive occasion of Janmashtami, Subhash K Jha picks his favourite Kanha songs.
Bollywood stars join in the festivities.
The top posts on social media from your favourite Bollywood celebrities.
Festive fervour grips tinsel town!
Janmashtami, which marks the birthday of Lord Krishna is being celebrated with much fanfare across the country.
Janmaashtami, popularly known as Gokulashtami or Dahi Handi, is being celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm across the country.
The incident occurred at the famous Jugal Kishore temple of Panna on Thursday, an official said.
Dahi Handi is celebrated on the day after Krishna Janmashtami. Young men and boys in the city create human pyramids to try and break a pot strung high up above them.
He also spoke against demand to ban the use of DJs or music systems during kanwar yatra.
