Varanasi: Varanasi witnessed a radiant celebration of Shri Krishna Janmashtami on Friday as temples, homes, schools, hostels and police establishments echoed with chants of “Jai Shri Krishna” and “Nand Ke Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki.”At Reserve Police Lines, Commissionerate Varanasi, a grand religious and cultural programme was organised with devotion and enthusiasm. The premises were beautifully decorated and illuminated. The celebrations began at 8 pm with bhajans and cultural performances in which police officers, personnel and their families participated. Through music and dance, performers brought alive the divine leelas of Lord Krishna. At midnight, the birth ceremony was performed amid chants, followed by bhog and prasad distribution.Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal extended greetings and said Lord Krishna’s life gives the message of duty, truth, righteousness and dedication to karma. Citing “Karmanye Vadhikaraste,” he urged personnel to perform duties with sincerity and honesty for peace and security. At Banaras Hindu University, celebrations began at Malaviya Bhavan with puja, Krishna Katha and Jhulanotsav in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi.The idol was placed in a decorated cradle.The Vice-Chancellor visited several hostels and campus locations. At Mahila Mahavidyalaya, students displayed tableaux on Rasleela. At Ruia Sanskrit Block, tableaux depicted Mallayuddha and different forms of Krishna.At Triveni Sankul, students presented Kunjanvan symbolising friendship. Musical presentations at International Women’s Hostel enriched the atmosphere. Central Hindu Boys School, Kamachha, organised tableaux on prison, Nandgram, Jhula, Matki Phod and Govardhan Parvat. The Faculty of Education held a cultural celebration in its auditorium, where students presented bhajans, shloka recitations, dances and tableaux on themes like “Shri Krishna Leela,” “Gita Updesh” and “Vishwaroop Darshan.” The enactment of “Putana Vadh” was a special highlight. Across Kashi, large gatherings were seen at Gopal Mandir, ISKCON Temple and Maheshwari Bhavan where Mahabhishek with 51 substances and bhog of 108 dishes were offered.
