Tuhina Sahoo
Bhubaneswar, Aug 26: Janmashtami, the festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna, was celebrated with great reverence and festivity across Odisha. With the 12th century Jagannath Temple in Puri standing as the epicenter of the celebration, the ancient shrine's elaborate ceremonies, including the ceremonial bathing , drew thousands of devotees .
At the Jagannath Temple, the traditional procession featured Lord Krishna being carried by His father, Basudev, to the Saraswati Temple. The journey included crossing the overflowing Yamuna River, where a Pujapanda dressed as Ugrasena received Lord Krishna. Special prasad, or offerings, called 'Deula Bhoga,' was presented to the deities at the temple.
Rajiv Sharma, a devotee in Puri said: “Participating in the ceremonial bathing of Lord Krishna and witnessing the traditional puja at Jagannath Temple was a great spiritual experience. It feels like we’re part of something timeless and sacred.”
The ISKCON Temple in Bhubaneswar was abuzz with activity as devotees flocked to offer their prayers. Temple priests had organized a special "Maha Aarti" at midnight, a highlight of the celebrations. Devotees were seen participating in the grand aarti ceremony.
Anita Das in Bhubaneswar said “The Maha Aarti at ISKCON was a divine experience. The atmosphere was electrifying, with everyone coming together to celebrate Krishna’s birth. It’s moments like these that reinforce our faith and bring us closer to our spiritual roots.”
In Balasore, the Khirachora Gopinath Temple witnssed a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. . The temple administration had prepared extensively for Janmashtami and the subsequent Nanda Utsav.
Soma Rani in Balasore said, “Offering prayers at Khirachora Gopinath Temple and being part of the Janmashtami festivities here has been incredibly uplifting. The community's involvement and the joy of the celebrations make it a memorable occasion each year.”
Across the state, the “Dahi Handi breaking” event stood out as a prominent feature of the celebrations. Teams of enthusiastic participants formed human pyramids to break pots filled with curd, a tradition symbolizing Krishna's playful love for butter.
Smaller shrines throughout Odisha also observed Janmashtami with fervor. These local celebrations were marked by devotional music, dance performances, and recitations of bhajans and kirtans.
Arjun Patel, a devotee in Cuttack, observed “The Dahi Handi event was both exciting and meaningful”
Thus, Janmashtami was celebrated across Odisha marked by a blend of spiritual devotion and cultural exuberance, reflecting the rich tapestry of traditions that celebrate Lord Krishna's birth.
