Mathura: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura on Friday and offered prayers as devotees gathered to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami.
During his visit to the temple, Adityanath greeted devotees participating in the festival and showered flower petals on people gathered at the religious site. Mathura, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, witnessed elaborate celebrations as temples across the city were decorated and devotees participated in special prayers and rituals.
Yogi highlights relevance of Krishna’s teachings
Addressing the gathering in Mathura, the Chief Minister said the teachings associated with Lord Krishna continue to hold relevance thousands of years after his appearance.
Referring to Krishna’s message of upholding righteousness and standing against wrongdoing, Adityanath said these principles remain significant in contemporary society. He also stressed the importance of protecting the country’s unity, integrity and cultural traditions.
The Chief Minister said forces that seek to create divisions or undermine social harmony would ultimately face consequences.
Sanatan traditions remain part of India’s cultural identity
Adityanath also spoke about the continuity of Sanatan traditions and India’s civilisational heritage. He said the country’s cultural and religious traditions had endured despite historical challenges and attempts by different forces to alter its cultural identity.
Highlighting the importance of the Braj region, he said the traditions associated with Lord Krishna and Radha continue to inspire people across India.
According to the Chief Minister, the cultural legacy of Krishna is not limited to Mathura and the Braj region but forms an important part of India’s wider spiritual and cultural heritage.
Mathura witnesses elaborate Janmashtami celebrations
Mathura was transformed into a festive religious centre as thousands of devotees gathered at temples and other important sites to mark Janmashtami.
The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple witnessed special religious ceremonies, including Mangala Aarti, as devotees participated in prayers and devotional programmes.
Temples across the city were decorated with flowers, lights and traditional ornaments. Devotees also participated in bhajans, kirtans and other cultural and religious activities marking the birth of Lord Krishna.
PM Modi extends Janmashtami greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings to people on the occasion of Janmashtami. In his message, he recalled Lord Krishna’s teachings and highlighted the importance of selfless action and duty.
Modi expressed hope that the festival would bring happiness, peace and positive energy into people’s lives.
Celebrations held across Delhi and other cities
Janmashtami celebrations were also organised at temples across Delhi and other parts of the country. Large gatherings were reported at ISKCON temples in East of Kailash and Dwarka Sector 13, where devotees participated in Mangala Aarti and special devotional programmes.
The festival was marked by prayers, devotional singing, dancing and religious ceremonies at temples across India.
Krishna Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and is observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Also known as Gokulashtami, the festival holds particular significance in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna’s life and teachings are deeply associated with the region’s religious and cultural traditions.
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