Odisha Turns Krishna-Mayi on Janmashtami!

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is immersed in festive fervour as devotees across the state celebrate Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna. Temples have been beautifully decorated with flowers and colourful lights, while devotional chants, bhajans and kirtans reverberate across the state.

Devotees have been visiting temples since morning to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna, with many observing fasts and participating in special prayers and rituals. At homes, idols of Bal Gopal have been placed in decorated cradles and worshipped with devotion.

Special Janma Niti at Puri Shree mandir

At Puri Shree mandir, special rituals are being observed to mark Lord Krishna’s birth. Following the evening Sandhya Dhupa and prasad offering, Bandapana rituals were performed for the three deities, while Garbhodaka Bandapana was performed for Lord Jagannath. Earlier, Jeuta Bhoga was offered to the Mahaprabhu.

In view of the special Janma Niti, general darshan at Shree mandir will remain closed from 7 PM to midnight today. Special arrangements have been made by the temple administration and servitors for the midnight rituals marking Lord Krishna’s birth.

Sudarsan Pattnaik’s Krishna-Themed Sand Art at Puri Beach

Adding to the festive spirit, Padma Shri sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created an impressive eight-foot-tall sand sculpture of Bal Gopal at Puri Beach.

The art work features Lord Krishna with his beloved flute, a large butter pot and a cow, depicting his childhood in Gokul. The highlight of the installation is 101 miniature butter pots placed around the main sculpture.

With temples resonating with devotional chants and Puri showcasing the artistic spirit of Janmashtami, Odisha is celebrating the auspicious occasion in a vibrant display of faith, devotion and tradition.