Vadodara set to celebrate Janmashtami with safety precautions of Covid 19

Amid fear of corona virus and rainy weather, ISKCON temples, Vaishnav Havelis, Swaminarayan temples, Ramji temples in Vadodara city, as well as many people in the city have made preparations to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth anniversary at their homes. At 12 in the night, the whole city has become Krishnamay to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.

Mahant Nityanandji of the ISKCON temple at Gotri said, the preparations have been started since morning by the sevaks of the temple. With observance of the rules of Covid-19, preparations are completed by the temple priests, servants as well as devotees including garlands, lighting, cutouts of flowers, Prasad and others. Prasad are being packed by the ladies wearing masks.

 A sanitise tunnel has also been installed for the devotees visiting the temple. The entrance of the temple as well as the sanctum of the temple are decorated with flowers. Devotees have been coming to the temple since morning to pay homage to Lord Krishna. Those who comes without wearing masks are not allowed to visit the temple.

Vaishnavacharya Dwarkeshlalji Maharaj said, like every year, this year too, Krishna Janmotsav will be traditionally celebrated at Shri Kalyanraiji Temple on Mandvi  Champaner Road.

But, this year the celebration will be according to the guideline of Covid-19. Apart from that, worship including the Panchamrut bath of the Lord will be performed along with the Lord Krishna birth as per the tradition and rituals.

Similarly, preparations have been made for the celebration of Janmashtami at the Vaishnava Haveli at Manjalpur. The temple will be open for devotees from 9-30 pm. It is planned to celebrate Shri Krishna Janmotsav as per the instructions of the government and the guideline of Covid-19. 

The haveli has been decorated with lighting and flowers this year as well.  According to the tradition, worship will be done before the birth of God.  Those who come wearing masks will be admitted to the temple, informed the Vaishnavacharya.

Apart from this, preparations for the celebration of Shri Krishna Janmotsav have been started in Ramji temples and Swaminarayan temples of the city.  Only a limited number of devotees will be admitted to the temples. However, the temple will worship the Lord as per the tradition. 

Devotees are visiting the temples since morning and waiting for the 12 midnight when the whole environment will turn Krishnamay during the birth of Lord. At the same time, preparations are underway in many houses of the city to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.