Gorakhpur: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated Janmashtami with traditional rituals at Gorakhnath Temple on Friday night, leading the birth celebrations of Lord Krishna at Gorakshpeeth.At midnight, Yogi, the Gorakshpeethadhishwar, performed the Krishna Janmotsav rituals inside the temple sanctum. As hymns and celebratory songs echoed across the premises, he carried the idol of Laddu Gopal (infant Krishna) from the sanctum, placed it in a flower-decked cradle and rocked it before performing the aarti.Thousands of devotees thronged the temple complex, which remained packed till late night. Fruits and prasad were distributed after completion of the rituals.The celebrations also featured a Krishna-Radha fancy dress competition for children. Yogi interacted with the participants, distributed gifts, chocolates and certificates and spent time with children dressed as Krishna and Radha.A bhajan sandhya organised at Mahant Digvijaynath Smriti Bhavan added to the festive atmosphere, with local singers presenting devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna. Several saints, public representatives and devotees attended the event.
