by Arun Pathak
Bokaro: The spirit of devotion and festivity swept through Steel City Bokaro on Janmashtami, as thousands of devotees came together to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with unmatched fervor. From grand temple decorations to soulful bhajans echoing through the night, the city transformed into a vibrant hub of faith and celebration.
From early morning, devotees observed fasts and thronged temples, while families at home prepared altars adorned with flowers and lights to welcome Bal Gopal. The heart of the celebration came alive at midnight, when the symbolic birth of Lord Krishna was marked with aarti, conch shells, ringing bells, and the singing of traditional Sohar songs. The air was thick with chants of “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama,” creating an atmosphere of spiritual ecstasy.
Adding to the festive delight, children dressed as Krishna and Radha stole the limelight, drawing admiration and blessings from onlookers. The sight of little Kanhas in peacock feathers and flutes, alongside Radhas draped in colorful attire, brought smiles to faces everywhere.
Major temples across Bokaro — from Sector 3 Krishna Mor and Sector 4, to Sector 6’s Baba Niranjan Nath Shiva Temple complex, as well as temples in Sector 12, Sector 1, Sector 8, Sector 9, Chas and surrounding rural areas — witnessed massive gatherings of devotees. Many places also organized special bhajan sandhya and kirtan sessions, where devotional songs continued till late night.
Janmashtami this year in Bokaro was not just a festival; it was a collective experience of joy, devotion, and cultural unity — a reminder of the enduring bond between faith and festivity in the city.
