Sunday 8th December 2024
Hindus of Nepal are immersed in devotional activities today on the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami or Krishna Jayanti, the birthday anniversary of Lord Krishna.
The festival is observed on the eighth day or Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadon.
On this occasion, Nepali Hindus offer early morning prayers at various Krishna temples and donate fruits, sweets and clothes to the deities.
Devotees observe fast throughout the day and celebrate the festival with activities like singing devotional songs, amongst others dedicated to Lord Krishna until midnight. There will be performances that look back to the epic battle of Krishna against the evil King Kansa.
To mark the day, Hindus flock to Krishna temples all over the country. Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square is the center of celebrations and is thronged by a large number of devotees.
However, the Krishna Ashtami celebrations this year are quite different in view of coronavirus pandemic.
The Nepali Government has decided to close all the Krishna Temples, including Krishna Mandir in Patan, to stop the coronavirus spread. There are no gatherings and celebrations in public places today. It is advised to celebrate the festival adhering to the standard health protocols.
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