Vibrant Janmashtami celebrations sweep across Meghalaya

SHILLONG: Janmashtami, marking the advent of Sree Krishna, is being celebrated amid joy and religious fervor in Meghalaya. Temples have been illuminated across the state.
“We took out a colorful procession with tableaux depicting the teachings and several ‘leelas’ of Sree Krishna in the morning,” said the member of the managing committee of a temple.
Other temple committees also organized ‘shoba yatras’ (foot marches) with devotees singing ‘kirtans’ (Vaishnavaite chants and hymns) in praise of Sree Krishna, the eighth ‘avatar’ (incarnation) of Vishnu.
“Janmashtami is celebrated with lots of joy and religious fervor, and we arrange for distribution of prasad, sweets and fruits among the people,” said one of the organizers of a community Janmashtami celebration in the city.
“Cultural programmes are being held on the occasion, based on Gopala and special midnight pujas will be performed, marking the birth of Sree Krishna,” he says.
Reports of celebrations of Janshmatami have also come in from other parts of the state, including Tura, the biggest town in the Garo Hills region.