NEW DELHI: Delhiites turned up in lakhs to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna at city temples such as Iskcon and Birla Mandir on the occasion of Janmashtami on Thursday. It's one of the biggest festivals for Hindus. Chief minister Sheila Dikshit was also present at Birla Mandir to offer prayers.
The Iskcon Temple in south Delhi alone drew over five lakh people to be a part of its grand celebrations. A large number of youngsters, too, visited the temple despite the heavy downpour. And not only bhajans and kirtans, but rock music was also part of the festivities here. A group of young devotees IIT graduate Sunder Das and other IIT alumni had even set up a special camp for scientific vedic studies at Iskcon. "We wish to spread the basic messages of vedic spirituality in the modern day scientific language. We have a better shot at bridging the gap with the youth if we speak their language,'' said Das, who is in his thirties.
As part of special attractions, Iskcon had organized a 24-hour kirtan. At least 4 lakh people were distributed prasadam. A huge number of people stood in queues to offer milk to the Lord, who was believed to be sitting with Radha on a swing. Little children dressed as young Krishna could be seen running around inside the temple.
"The number of devotees who visit the temple on Janmashtami doubles each year. Rock music and scientific presentations are a part of our campaign to spread the messages of Lord Krishna amongst the Indian youth,'' said Rishi Kumara Dasa, director (English media) Iskcon temple.
Lord Krishna also finds many devotees in foreigners, who could be seen dressed in saffron with their head shaved. Some have even given up their original names to show their love for the God. Krishna Surama Das, who is from Armenia, has decided to live in Iskcon temple for the rest of his life. He is the lead singer of one of the rock bands that performed on Thursday.
Among the other city temples that saw a huge turnout was Birla Mandir at Mandir Marg, where chief minister Sheila Dikshit also offered her prayers.
With traffic restrictions in place and a huge number of security personnel deployed at Mandir Marg, commuters had to go towards Gole Market to avoid getting stuck in jams.
Read more: Rocking devotion on Janmashtami - Delhi - City - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6482222.cms?prtpage=1#ixzz0yXIFOi69
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