By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The markets in Patna are brimming with excitement as devotees gear up for the celebration of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Enthusiasts have begun preparing to welcome Laddu Gopal, with shoppers flocking to various markets across the city to purchase items related to the festival. Shopkeepers have beautifully adorned their shops with Lord Krishna’s dresses, cradles, swings, flutes, and small idols, attracting a steady stream of customers.
The city’s key markets, including Kadamkuan, Churi Market, Bakarganj, Thakurwadi, Boring Road, Kankarbagh, Chiraiyatad, Bailey Road, and Kurji, are bustling with activity. The highest demand is for designer swings made of wood and wire, as well as swings embellished with colourful beads and glass. There is a rush to purchase Lord Krishna’s dresses, Nand Gopal idols, and other worship materials.
The deep devotion of the followers towards Shri Radha-Krishna is evident, with many offering various clothes and gold and silver ornaments to God as a token of gratitude for fulfilled wishes, alongside the traditional 56 bhogs. As a result, preparations for Janmashtami have been completed in Sarafa Bazar, where silver Thakur Ji Maharaj idols are also in high demand. Shekhar Kesari, director of Hira Panna at Kotwali police station, mentioned that the smallest Laddu Gopal is available for Rs 2,500, with the most expensive priced at Rs 30,000. Shopkeepers report that there is a palpable excitement among people regarding Janmashtami, leading to a surge in shopping.
From Alpana Market to Boring Road, Boring Canal Road to Chudi Market, Krishna-related items are available in every shop, regardless of size. The items on offer include clothes, jewellery, swings, turbans, crowns, wooden slippers, topi crowns, mosquito nets, fans, coolers, and Laddu Gopal idols, available in a wide range of prices.
Along with Laddu Gopal and swings, Kanha’s flutes are available in various sizes. According to shopkeepers, this year’s business is expected to reach around four crore rupees, although prices have increased by 10 to 15 percent compared to last year.
Shiv Kumar and Satish Kumar of Shri Puja Bhandar in Kadamkuan mentioned that Kanha’s dresses are being sold from Rs 10 to Rs 2,500. Garlands for decorating Kanha are priced between Rs 10 and Rs 150, crowns from Rs 30 to Rs 1,500, flutes from Rs 20 to Rs 250, and bangles for Rs 20 to Rs 200. The highest demand is for wooden designer swings and those decorated with colourful beads and mirrors.
As preparations for Shri Krishna’s birth continue in homes, people are also purchasing Radha-Krishna attire for children. These include dhoti-kurtas, lehenga-cholis, chunnis, peacock feather crowns, flutes, and other items, ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 2,000. Shopkeepers note that they order these clothes a month in advance or personally source them. Clothes are available for children from zero size up to 15 years.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami, celebrated with great pomp across the country, marks the worship of Lord Krishna’s child form, Laddu Gopal. It is believed that worshipping Laddu Gopal on this day brings prosperity to one’s home. Astrologer Shripati Tripathi explained that on August 26th, the Saptami Tithi will end at 8:20 pm, and Ashtami Tithi will begin, with Rohini Nakshatra starting at 9:20 pm. This forms the auspicious Jayanti Yoga.
According to the scriptures, Wednesday and Monday are also considered auspicious, especially for householders. Hence, the festival on 26th August is deemed highly pious for Smart householders. However, those who regard themselves as special Vaishnavs will celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami on Tuesday, 27th August, during Audayak Ashtami and Rohini. Tripathi added that this year, Ashtami Tithi begins at 3:39 pm on 26th August and ends at 2:19 am on 27th August. Consequently, the fast for Krishna Janmashtami will be observed on 26th August according to Udaya Tithi.
Preparations for Shri Krishna worship are in full swing throughout the city. Most temples in the capital are being attractively decorated with colourful lights. Swings are being prepared, and Janmashtami will be celebrated on 26th August, Monday, at Patna’s ISKCON temple, Shri Gaudiya Math, and other temples, with special religious and cultural programmes planned.
At Gaudiya Math, preparations are underway for the 91st Janmashtami celebration, with the entire temple being adorned with Rolex and lights. This year, 50,000 to 60,000 devotees are expected for darshan and worship. Shri Krishna Jayanti Adhivas Sankirtan and Yagna will be held on 25th August, with continuous Sankirtan throughout the day.
Temple spokesperson Vishwajeet Kumar shared that on 26th August, a special programme will include Maa Devki Garbha-Stuti Paath, Brahma Samhita, and Dashavatar Stotra Paath from 8 am to 11 am. The temple will remain open throughout the day for worship and prasad offerings.
A grand Shri Krishna Janmashtami festival will also be held on 26th August at the ISKCON temple on Buddha Marg. Artists from Sri Lanka will present a Shri Krishna Leela dance drama, with Krishna devotees from across India and abroad participating. Patna ISKCON Temple president Shri Krishna Krupa Das mentioned that on Janmashtami, kirtan and grand aarti will take place from 7:30 am to 1 am, followed by the Lord’s anointment with 151 silver urns at midnight, and Mahaprasad distribution. The entire temple complex will be decorated with flowers and colourful lights sourced from India and abroad.
