MUMBAI: Five thousand years after his birth, the world continues to cherish Lord Krishna who was born in prison at midnight yet freed the world from the darkness of ignorance.A swell of devotion envelopes households and temples as they celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami on September 4. This marks 5,253 years of his incarnation.Panjiri, badam-kaju ‘paag’, new ‘chunris’ and garlands are being assembled ahead of the rocking of the holy cradle at midnight.Pt Bharat Bhushan Mishra of Malad said, “Lord Krishna was born at midnight on Ashtami under Rohini Nakshatra. This year both coincide so celebrations will be unified across the nation. His birthplace of Mathura as well as Brij, Vrindavan, Barsana, Mumbai, Delhi will all observe Janmashtami Friday. The idol of Laddu Gopal is offered ‘abhishek’ or oblation with milk, curd, ghee, honey, rose water and panchamrit. It is bedecked in new robes and devotees sing bhajans.“ISKCON Chowpatty has transformed into a beautiful Vrindavan grove featuring parrots, pomegranates and verdure, said spokesperson Lucky Kulkarni.“Around 10,000 litres of ‘charnamrit’ will be prepared for ‘abhishek’ using milk, curd and fruit juices that will be distributed among devotees. The dress of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath is inspired by Govind-Lilamrit featuring parrots, flowers and pomegranates. Chhappan bhog in the afternoon will be followed by 108 items of bhog at night,” she said.ISKCON Juhu is celebrating Janmashtami Sept 3-4 followed by Nand Utsav and Vyas Puja September 5, said spokesperson Parijata Devi.“There is maha abhishek, maha aarti, kalash abhishek and chhappan bhog at midnight on September 4. Prasad meals are being served on September 3, 4 and 5. New outfits will be offered to all ten deities,” she said.The city has a beautiful set of Haveli style temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in South Mumbai as well as the Malad, Kandivli and Borivli belt.Union minister Piyush Goyal will tour those in his constituency of North Mumbai on Friday night.
