The state of Kerala is celebrating Sri Krishna Jayanti with immense devotion and grandeur today. Special poojas and offerings began at temples since early morning, with thousands of devotees thronging major Sri Krishna temples across the state. The Guruvayur Sri Krishna Swamy Temple witnessed a massive rush, with long queues of devotees from dawn. The Devaswom Board made elaborate arrangements, including the complete removal of the VIP queue system to ensure smooth darshan for all devotees.
A grand birthday meal for about 30,000 people began at 9 am, while Shobhayatras from various places, including the Mammiyur temple, started converging at Guruvayur. Many devotees, including children and adults, arrived dressed as Krishna, with one devotee named Vikas, who has been participating in Krishna attire for the past five years, preparing his makeup since last night using traditional pan stick and utensils. At the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple in Pathanamthitta, elaborate ceremonies are underway, with the famous Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya scheduled for 12 noon today. Travancore Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar and others will participate in the ceremony.
Church processions from 52 banks will arrive at the temple today, and the Devaswom Board has arranged for all devotees to participate in the Vallasadya, which includes old-fashioned dishes unique to the occasion. Meanwhile, the Parthasarathy Temple under the control of the Kozhikode Zamorinpad is also witnessing a huge rush. The temple’s biggest specialty is the offering of milk, alongside the Avatara Puja held from 11.30 pm to 12 am, where devotees offer fruits, sugar, butter, and special flower offerings. Prasada Oottum is served at 12 noon.
In various parts of the state, elaborate processions are being held in the evening under the leadership of cultural organizations. Still lifes and musical performances will add to the grandeur of the Shobhayatras, with the sight of the procession turning into a spectacle visible everywhere, regardless of village or city. A large police contingent has also been deployed at various places for security arrangements, ensuring a safe and orderly celebration for all. The state’s Krishna Jayanti celebrations reflect the deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions of Kerala, bringing together communities in a spirit of devotion, joy, and togetherness.
