KATHMANDU, Nepal- Hindus throughout the country and abroad are celebrating Krishna Janmastami or Krishna Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna on Wednesday.
The day is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, an eighth incarnation of the Hindu deity Bishnu. According to scriptures, including Mahabharata, Krishna, revered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born to King Vasudeva and Devaki of Mathura in Dwapara Yuga on the eighth lunar day (Ashtami) of the dark half of Bhadra in a jail, where his maternal uncle Kansa had held his parents captive.
Devotees solemnize the festival with lots of joy and enthusiasm and throng to the temples of Lord Krishna to homage to the deity.
On the occasion, devotees make offerings of money, fruits, sweets, and clothes specially curd and butter to Lord Krishna.
They observe a fast and sing devotional songs dedicated to Krishna until midnight, believed to be the time of Lord Krishna’s birth.
Meanwhile, the Krishna Janmastami this year coincide with Gaura Parva, a festival which is mainly celebrated in the Far-Western Region of Nepal.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav today extended greetings to Nepalis living at home and abroad on the occasion of Krishna Janmasthami.
“Festivals like Shree Krishna Janmasthami have helped the Nepali people enjoy various cultures and languages,” he said in the message.
President Yadav also visited the Krishna Mandir in Patan, Lalitpur to homage to the idol of lord Krishna this morning. Hundred of devotees have thronged to the temple since wee hours Wednesday to pay homage to Lord Krishna. Krishna Mandir in Patan is one of the famous temples of Lord Krishna in Nepal that was made during 13th century.
