India (Commonwealth Union)_ Tamil Nadu came alive this week with vibrant religious celebrations honoring the birth of Lord Krishna, a cherished deity in Hinduism. The festival, called Krishna Jayanthi or Janmashtami, showed deep devotion throughout the state’s temples and mixed ancient traditions with community gatherings. This year’s Krishna Jayanthi took place on August 15 and 16, marking the 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, who is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The event was celebrated on the Ashtami (eighth) day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadrapada, drawing thousands of devotees to temples from dawn until midnight.
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Spiritual start at the Sri Venugopala Krishna Temple in Trichy
At the Sri Venugopala Krishna Temple in Bheemanagar, Trichy, celebrations began early with elaborate abhishekams (ritual baths) performed on the deity. This 200-year-old temple witnessed a large turnout as devotees watched the idol of Lord Krishna being bathed in milk, curd, honey, turmeric, rose water, and fruit juices. After the ceremonies, the people dressed the deity in silk, garlands, and jewels before presenting it to them. Temple bells rang, conch shells sounded, and Vedic music filled the shrine at midnight, marking the birth of Krishna. Devotees formed long lines to receive prasad (holy food) and joined in the midnight aarti. Lord Krishna’s childhood mischievousness inspired the Dahi Handi festival, one of the biggest attractions. Children created human pyramids to smash a clay pot filled with curd, portraying Krishna’s mischievous antics with his companions.
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Festive vibes in Mylapore
In Chennai’s Mylapore neighborhood, the Nandalala Centre on Dr. Ranga Road turned into a hub of devotion and color. Despite intermittent rains, families gathered in large numbers over the weekend to take part in the festivities. The center had organized Paada Pooja, a symbolic washing of feet, inviting parents to bring their children dressed as little Krishnas and Radhas. On Saturday evening, a highlight of the celebration was Sri Krishna Vaibhavam, during which a cradle decorated with flowers was used to gently rock a baby Krishna idol, bringing to life the joy of his birth. The celebrations continued into Sunday, with Sri Srinivasa Kalyana Vaibhavam in the morning and a traditional Ratha Utsavam (chariot procession) in the evening, followed by a Carnatic violin concert by Dr. M. Narmadha.
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A grand offering at Etteluthu Dharmapathi Temple
In southern Tamil Nadu, the Etteluthu Dharmapathi Temple in Arugankulam, near Tirunelveli, is renowned for its Krishna Jayanthi festivities, and this year was no exception. This rural temple prepared over a ton of sweets for the occasion. More than 104 varieties of snacks were offered to Lord Krishna, including laddu, badusha, halwa, murukku, seedai, and panagam. The donations, housed in over a thousand painted clay pots, eventually served as prasadam to visiting devotees. The temple also upheld age-old customs such as Uri Adithal, in which competitors try to smash a dangling clay pot, and Vazhukku Maram Yeruthal, which is a slippery pole climbing competition. These lively activities elicited laughter and happiness from both children and adults, bringing a festive spirit to the highly spiritual mood.
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ISKCON celebrations: From Tamil Nadu to the world
Additionally, in ISKCON temples and centers across the world, Krishna Jayanthi was celebrated according to the global tradition set by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Devotees gathered to chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, sing bhajans, and take part in dramatic retellings of Krishna’s life, especially the Raas Leela. At midnight, they held the aarti and special abhishekam rites, followed by the distribution of makhan misri (sweetened butter) and panjiri, two foods that Krishna is said to have loved as a child. Many followers chose to spend the day alone or read the Bhagavad Gita, which Lord Krishna revealed in the epic Mahabharata.
A celebration of devotion and dharma
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While beautiful temple displays attracted large crowds, many Tamil Nadu families stayed home, engaging in personal prayers and traditions. To celebrate Krishna’s arrival, homes were decorated with flowers, banana leaves, kolams (rangoli), and small footprints. The daily rituals included washing Krishna statues (also known as Laddu Gopal) in milk and honey, dressing them in fresh clothes, and offering sweets, fruits, and tulsi leaves. Devotional hymns, Gita recitations, and mantra chanting, such as “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” were heard in both homes and temples.
For many, Krishna Jayanthi is more than just a festival; it is a spiritual meditation on Krishna’s teachings of justice (dharma), humility, and devotion. His journey from a mischievous youth to a skilled charioteer serves as a guiding light in both joy and struggle. Krishna’s leelas (divine pastimes) came alive in every town and temple through devotion, singing, dancing, and unwavering faith. Tamil Nadu showed deep love for Lord Krishna, the eternal child, cosmic guide, and cherished deity, with peaceful pujas at home and loud celebrations at ancient temples.
