Varanasi: The world-famous Nagnathaiya Leela was held with grandeur at Tulsi Ghat on Friday afternoon, drawing thousands of devotees from India and abroad to witness the nearly 500-year-old tradition.The ghat echoed with chants of “Jai Shri Krishna” and “Har Har Mahadev” as the enactment of Lord Krishna’s victory over Kaliya Nag unfolded on the banks of the Ganga. Devotees gathered in large numbers on the ghat steps, rooftops and nearby buildings to witness the divine spectacle.During the Leela, Lord Krishna was depicted playing ball with his friends.When the ball fell into the river, Krishna climbed a makeshift Kadamba tree and leapt into the deep waters. The scene depicted the legendary episode in which Lord Krishna subdued Kaliya Nag by dancing on his hood.After some time, Krishna emerged from the waters of the Ganga, standing on the hood of Kaliya Nag and playing the flute. The moment became the main attraction of the event, with the crowd erupting in devotional slogans and cheers. Many devotees captured the scene on their mobile phones.Anant Narayan Singh, representative of the Kashi royal family, participated in the event as per tradition. Prof. Vishwambhar Nath Mishra, Mahant of Sankat Mochan Temple, said the Leela was started nearly 500 years ago by Goswami Tulsidas and has continued uninterrupted at Tulsi Ghat.Nagnathaiya Leela remains a unique symbol of Kashi’s religious faith, cultural heritage and devotion to Lord Krishna.
