Usual pomp missing this time

However, celebrations at ISKCON was held with its usual pomp and splendour. Kids show, musical performances and a special arati were arranged at midnight.

The day celebrates Lord Krishna’s birth and pooja is usually offered in the evening, as Krishna was born at midnight.

Most households will have an infant’s footprints (prepared with a mixture of rice flour) leading to the house and to the mandapam, where the idol of Krishna is placed. It is symbolic of Krishna entering the house. Little boys are also dressed up as Krishna on the festival day.

On the same day fruits and various delicacies are offered to Krishna’s idol.

Lunar calendar

The festival was celebrated on Thursday by people in North India and by South Indians, who follow the lunar calendar.

The Iyengar community in Karnataka who celebrate Gokulashtami in accordance with the solar calendar will however be celebrating Gokulashtami on September 11 and 12.