New Delhi [India], August 16 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta offered prayers at the ISKCON temple in Sant Nagar area of East Kailash in the national capital on the occasion of Janmashtami, and hoped for the blessings of Krishna to stay with all devotees.
"May the blessings of Lord Shri Krishna always remain on all devotees. All devotees are joyful, in every street, every neighbourhood, every person is worshipping Him today. Heartfelt greetings to all Delhiites on Shri Krishna Janmashtami," CM Gupta told reporters here.
Visuals from the temple showed the Chief Minister being garlanded in the temple as she offered prayers, and wished every Delhiite on the occasion.
Meanwhile, in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited and offered prayers at the Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple.
The Chief Minister said that the government will restore Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Gokul, Baldeo, Govardhan, and Radha Kund as sacred pilgrimage sites (Teerths).
Addressing the pubic, Yogi Adityanath said, "... Therefore, our government has decided that we will restore Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Gokul, Baldeo, Govardhan and Radha Kund as 'Teerths'."
Janmashtami is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna was born.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings to all countrymen on the occasion of Janmashtami and called it a sacred festival of faith.
Sharing an X post, PM Modi wrote, "Heartfelt Janmashtami greetings to all countrymen. May this sacred festival of faith, joy, and enthusiasm infuse new energy and zeal into your lives. Jai Shri Krishna!"
Lord Krishna's birthday falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad. Although the celebration takes place in different parts of the country, Mathura and Vrindavan hold a special significance. One being his birthplace, and one where he spent his childhood and did his baal leela.
At midnight, a special ritual is performed when the idol of Lord Krishna is bathed in milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, and water. During the Krishna Abhishek, bells are rung, conch shells are blown, and Vedic hymns are performed.