Janmashtami celebrated in Capital with religious fervour

The national capital today celebrated Janmashtami with religious fervour as people thronged the brightly adorned temples and offered prayers to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.
Devotees gathered at Birla Mandir, ISKCON and other Krishna temples in the city where tableaux were set up while priests and devotees chanted hymns from 'Srimad Bhagvad Gita' describing incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
The celebration began with devotees fasting and keeping a night-long vigil singing hymns before they will be offering prayers in the morning.
Various Krishna temples in the city were decked up and people were seen making a beeline since early in the morning to offer prayers amid chants of 'Hare Krishna Hare Rama' and 'Govinda ala re'.

Special religious discourses and dance dramas were organised in various areas of the city. Markets in several areas also adorned a festive look.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple near Nehru Place and Birla temple in Central Delhi attracted large number of people since early morning.

Youngsters in some areas revelled in 'Dahi Handi' festival by breaking curd-filled pots fondly recalling Lord Krishna's childhood.
Religious processions were taken out in some localities in the city.
President Pranab Mukherjee and other leaders greeted citizens on Janmashtami and hoped people would follow the path of "virtue and righteousness in thought, word and deed".

"On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, I extend heartiest greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens", he said.
"May Lord Krishna's noble message of 'Nishkama Karma' or duty without thought of reward motivate all of us to work in unity and with selfless dedication for peace, prosperity and progress in our country," the President said in his message.