India Celebrates Vibrant Janmashtami: Leaders Extend Festive Wishes

President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi greet the nation on Janmashtami, urging citizens to imbibe Lord Krishna's teachings. Temples across India, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, are bustling with vibrant celebrations and heightened security.

President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings on Monday for Janmashtami, urging citizens to imbibe the teachings of Lord Krishna and work for the nation's progress. In a post on X, President Murmu stated, 'I greet all my countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. This festival inspires us to be dedicated to the divine ideals of Lord Shri Krishna. On this occasion, let us imbibe the teachings of Lord Shri Krishna and pledge to work for the progress and prosperity of the country.'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes to the people on Janmashtami via X, writing, 'Wishing you all a very Happy Janmashtami. Jai Shri Krishna!' Meanwhile, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also conveyed his heartful wishes: 'Hearty wishes and congratulations to everyone on Shri Krishna Janmashtami. I hope that this festival of joy and happiness fills the life of all of you with new enthusiasm and excitement.'

On Shri Krishna Janmashtami, devotees thronged various temples across the country to celebrate with grandeur. The sound of bells, mridangs, and conch shells resonated across temples nationwide. With temples adorned in colorful lights and flowers, massive crowds gathered for the Darshan of Lord Krishna at Ahmedabad's ISKCON Temple and Mathura's Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple, where morning aarti was performed. Women devotees sang songs dedicated to Lord Krishna, while over 2000 security personnel ensured safety in Mathura's Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple area.

This year's Janmashtami, observed on August 26, witnessed devotees fasting and decorating temples and homes with flowers, diyas, and lights. Celebrations were particularly grand in Mathura and Vrindavan, places deeply connected to Lord Krishna's youth and childhood. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)