Guwahati drowns in Sri Krishna devotion

GUWAHATI: A surge of devotion swept the city on the occasion of the Sri Krishna Janmasthami, which was celebrated in several parts of the city on Monday. Devotees were seen visiting temples to offer prayers to the lord. In most of the temples, the celebrations had started from Sunday itself, and would continue till Tuesday.
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) near Ulubari had organized various programmes, which included various competitions like vedic hymn recitation for school children.
Tapan Sarma, a Janmasthami celebration committee member said, "The programmes started as early as 4 am and will continue for the whole day up to midnight."
With a large number of people thronging the temples, the authorities concerned had ensured that proper security measures are taken so that no untoward incidents take place.
Sarma informed that about 100 security personnel have been deployed on the temple premises. This apart, volunteers from Scouts and Guides and Rovers and Rangers have also been put on duty."
Other than Iskcon, temples like the Chaitanya Gauriya Math near Paltan Bazaar and Gauriya Mission near Rehabari have also organized various programmes.
A committee member of Gauriya Mission said this time the functions were being held at near the Gauhati Goshala, where a special vedic fancy dress competition has been organized. "There would be an elephant procession and all our devotees would also join in. On Tuesday, on the occasion of 'Nandotsav', a mass 'prasad' distribution has been arranged," he said.
Arati Purkyastha, a devotee, who is observing a 'vrat' on Monday said she planed to stay in the temple till the mid night to take part in 'aarti.'"I observe the 'vrat' every year and this time my daughter has also joined me," she said.