Prayagraj: Sangam city is all set for grand celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami on Friday.The city temples and other organisations started preparations for the festivities on Thursday. Devotees started thronging city markets for the devotional articles and decorative items on Thursday.Expecting a huge turnout of devotees at prominent temples organising Janmashtami celebrations on Friday, police reviewed security arrangements and intensified vigil across the city. Focus has been laid on crowd and traffic management in and around the temples, particularly in old city areas.The evening is all set to begin with soulful ‘kirtans’ unfolding into a series of devotional performances, including ‘bhajans’, dances, plays and discourses at most of the temples.Children will present a play based on Krishna’s childhood, while members of the different temple committees have planned special puja rituals and vibrant cultural performances.Special preparations have been made from mangala aarti in the morning to the maha aarti at midnight. Devotees have also made special arrangements at residential colonies, temples and homes for celebrations of Lord Krishna’s birth. Colourful tableaux based on Krishna’s life will be exhibited at prominent temples and at many homes.Idols of Lord Krishna, adorned with flowers and beautiful accessories, will be placed on a decorated cradle and will be worshipped with the ‘Maha Abhishek’ using 108 sacred items at the city temples. After the rituals of Krishna’s birth, prasad will be distributed to devotees. Streets will be lit up with rangolis and colourful lights to mark the celebrations.
