Krishna Janmastami, a festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is being observed across the country on Tuesday.
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On the auspicious occasion, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, in his capacity of acting head-of-state, visited Krishna Mandir (temple) in Lalitpur today morning to receive tika and blessings, another clear break from the age-old tradition which saw only the Nepalese monarch enjoying this honour. Prior to this, the PM had also graced the festival of Bhoto Jatra instead of the King as per the time-honored tradition.
On this day, people throng to the temples of Lord Krishna, a playful god who, according to Hindu mythology, killed his uncle Kanksa to relieve his people from age-old tyranny, acted as a mentor for the Pandavas in their victory in the famous battle of Mahabharata and stood as a beacon of the triumph of the good over evil. Lord Krishna’s love and devotion towards his beloved Radha is also equally celebrated by followers of Hinduism.
However, King Gyanendra had also shown his willingness to visit the Krishna Mandir and to give continuity to the tradition of offering flowers to Lord Krishna’s statue located near the Maternity Hospital on his return from there. But when the Palace asked the Kathmandu and Lalitpur administration to make security arrangements for the King's visit, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Modraj Dotel turned down the request after discussing the matter with the home ministry, reports said. nepalnews.com ag Sep 04 07
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