“Hathi Ghoda Palki, Jai Kanhaiya lal ki”.  Krishna, Kanha, Madhav, Girdhari, Makhan-chor, Ghanshyam!! Endless names, endless mischief and endless teachings make Lord Krishna one of the most vivacious Hindu God. Every Granny sees “Bal Gopal” in her grandson and adores Lord in her own fascination.

Among festivity all around, it’s time to celebrate Janmashtami, birth of same adored Lord Krishna, on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana or Savana. This year according to roman calendar, Janmashtami will be celebrated today on 2^nd of September 2010.

Janmashtami is celebrated with fervor all around. Euphoria for the festival is not just restricted to Mathura – the birth city of Lord Krishna, but pervades in rest of India too with same compassion.

Udaipur too celebrates the occasion to the hilt. The festivities include various rituals being followed religiously. Temples all over Udaipur like Jagdish Temple, Asthal Temple, Shri Nathdwara are engaged in various ceremonies and prayers in honor of Lord Krishna. Chanting of shlokas, readings from religious texts, singing devotional songs and dance performances are a common sight.

An important feature of Janmashtami is Jhanki (tableau) and cribs depicting various stages of Lord Krishna’s childhood.

The ceremony of ‘Matki Fod’ wherein enthusiastic young men break an earthen pot filled with curd happens every year at Jagdish Chowk. This time 10 teams are going to participate in this Matki Fod competition.

Fast of Janmashtami lasts till 12’o clock in night. After that, joyful, heartfelt celebrations begin in every nook and corner. Cleaning of temples, shopping of properties to adorn Krishna, and stuff to prepare Prasad are on.

So, here we the team of Udaipurtimes.com wishes our most dearest readers A Very Very Happy Janmashtami!

Photos by: Sayeed Ahmed