Janmashtami 2020: India gets ready to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth

Guwahati: The birth of Lord Krishna, Janmashtami, is celebrated with pomp and fervour throughout India. Devotees usually observe fasts, sing devotional songs in praise of the lord, participate in Dahi Handi celebrations, hold ceremonies in temples where Lord Krishna is welcomed each year and more.

This year, Janmashtami celebrations begin August 11 and the auspicious timings for prayers begin at 12.21 AM until 01.06 AM (on August 12). Dahi Handi celebrations (usually in the last afternoon or early evening hours) shall take place on August 12, with many also likely to celebrate it the next day. Krishna puja is usually conducted at midnight; the ritualistic puja includes 16 steps which are part of the Shodashopachara puja vidhi.

The largest celebration of this Hindu festival takes place in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna is believed to have been born and spent his growing up years, respectively.

But  as the number of coronavirus cases in India continues to rise exponentially, the birthplace of Lord Krishan will see almost zero participation of the public for celebrations on Janmashtami, a mega festival in the region. The Mathura administration has ordered that no public events will be held in the district.

Since Lord Krishna was born at midnight, devotees observe a fast and sing devotional songs for him as the clock strikes twelve. As a part of the ritual, statues of baby Krishna are washed and placed for worship. Devotees then break their fast and share food and sweets.

However, the Krishna Janmashtami celebrations this year have been marred by the coronavirus pandemic. People will have to avoid large gatherings and temple visits.

On Janmashtami 2020, devotees can make a virtual journey to the Chandroday Temple of Vrindavan through the Zoom app or via the YouTube channel. Devotees will be sent a link to the live program.