On Friday, Varanasi came alive with the vibrant celebrations of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Temples, homes, schools, hostels, and police establishments filled the air with joyful chants, including ‘Jai Shri Krishna’ and ‘Nand Ke Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki.’ This festive atmosphere highlighted the cultural significance of the occasion, drawing in devotees and participants from various backgrounds.
The celebrations began at 8 pm with bhajans and cultural performances in which police officers, personnel and their families participated.
Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal extended greetings and said Lord Krishna’s life gives the message of duty, truth, righteousness and dedication to karma. Citing “Karmanye Vadhikaraste,” he urged personnel to perform duties with sincerity and honesty for peace and security. At Reserve Police Lines, Commissionerate Varanasi, a grand religious and cultural programme was organised with devotion and enthusiasm. The premises were beautifully decorated and illuminated. Through music and dance, performers brought alive the divine leelas of Lord Krishna. At midnight, the birth ceremony was performed amid chants, followed by bhog and prasad distribution. At Banaras Hindu University , celebrations began at Malaviya Bhavan with puja, Krishna Katha and Jhulanotsav in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi.