Jammu: Janmashtami was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday with religious fervour, as devotees thronged temples, observed fasts and participated in special prayers, bhajan-kirtans and traditional processions marking the birth of Lord Krishna.
In Srinagar, the Kashmiri Pandit community took out a traditional Shobha Yatra through the city, providing the main attraction of the celebrations.
The procession began from the historic Ganpatyar Temple in Habba Kadal and passed through Kralkhud and Barbarshah before reaching the iconic Clock Tower at Lal Chowk. It later proceeded through Jehangir Chowk before returning towards the temple.
Devotees carrying religious flags and idols participated in the procession amid chanting of devotional slogans, singing of bhajans and drumbeats. Men, women and children joined the celebrations, with several children dressed as Lord Krishna and Radha.
At Lal Chowk, devotees danced and sang alongside the decorated chariot as the procession passed through the city centre. The celebrations were held amid security arrangements along the route.
The Shobha Yatra also reflected the cultural and religious traditions associated with the Kashmiri Pandit community, with members of different communities welcoming the participants and extending Janmashtami greetings.
In Jammu, the festival was marked by special celebrations at temples and religious institutions across the city and other parts of the region.
A grand Shobha Yatra was taken out from the Shri Raghunath Ji Temple, with devotees participating in large numbers.
The procession passed through major parts of Jammu city amid devotional songs, religious tableaux and traditional celebrations.
At the ISKCON Temple in Jammu, devotees gathered for special prayers before the decorated idol of Lord Krishna. Devotional songs and dances formed part of the celebrations, while devotees observed fasts and participated in religious rituals.
Temples across Jammu witnessed special decorations with flowers and lights, while arrangements were made for devotees attending the celebrations and midnight prayers.
The festival assumes special significance as devotees traditionally mark Lord Krishna’s birth at midnight with prayers and religious ceremonies.
Janmashtami celebrations were also held at temples and religious places in other districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with devotees participating in prayers, bhajans and community programmes.
The occasion was marked by messages of peace, brotherhood and communal harmony, with the teachings of Lord Krishna on righteousness, duty and the triumph of good over evil forming the central theme of the celebrations.
Security and traffic arrangements were put in place at major celebration venues and along procession routes to ensure the smooth movement of devotees and peaceful conduct of the festivities.
