Nagpur: “Aala Re Aala Govinda Aala” chant reverberated in pitched voice across Nagpur as the city was abuzz with excitement as Janmashtami festivities kicked off on Monday evening. The vibrant atmosphere was palpable at Badkas Chowk where a grand Dahi Handi event drew massive crowds. The thrilling competition, which involved forming human pyramids to reach and break a pot of curd hung high above, continued well into the night.
Adding a heart-warming touch to the celebrations, autistic children participated in a special Dahi Handi event organised by Prayas School for Children with Special Needs at Sarvodaya Ashram, Amravati Road, Dharampeth.
In addition to the main Dahi Handi events, Nagpur is also hosting a series of other celebrations throughout the week. Meanwhile, numerous Krishna temples across the city hosted midnight kirtans on Monday, commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees gathered to offer prayers, sing devotional songs, and celebrate the auspicious occasion.
The historic Mahal area of Nagpur, known for its age-old Krishna temples, played a pivotal role in the celebrations. Devotees thronged temples like Sadhu’s Sri Gopalkrishna Mandir, Shri Lakshminarayan Mandir (Kelibaug Road and Vedamurthy Bhauji Arvikar Marg), Shri Muralidhar Mandir, Shrivenugopal Mandir, and many more to offer prayers and participate in midnight kirtans. The spiritual aura of these temples, coupled with the collective devotion of the devotees, created a truly magical atmosphere.
As the Janmashtami celebrations continue, upcoming days will witness more Dahi Handi events, Gopal Kala performances, and religious ceremonies.
Artificial tanks
Meanwhile, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has set up artificial tanks at various locations across the city for the immersion of household idols of Lord Krishna. Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari has urged devotees to make use of these facilities to ensure a safe and eco-friendly immersion process.
The artificial tanks and nirmalya kalash have been arranged at several locations, including one near Sonegaon Lake in Laxmi Nagar Zone, two near Shukrawari Lake in Dhantoli Zone, five near Sakkardara Lake, and one each at Mahal, Matru Seva Sangh, Manoj Hotel, and Naik Lake. Other designated spots include Hanuman Ghat, Naik Lake Garden Gate, Nagpure High School in Bharatwada, and Hanuman Temple in Gulmohar Nagar.