Birla Mandir in Delhi Lit up on the Occasion of Krishna Janmashtami

Delhi citizens on the occasion of Janmashtami, fasted and feasted undeterred by the humid weather and also prayed at many of the temples has been brightly decked to mark the festivities. People of all ages flocked to the temples all of which were decorated with flowers, banana leaves as well as colorful fancy lights. The entire gamut of the celebrations was centered on the popular temples such as that of Birla Mandir in central Delhi.

Outside the temples, one could come across many stalls which were busy in serving fresh fruit for the devotees. Shobha yatras or the religious processions and cultural programs have also been planned as part of the Birla Mandir celebrations later in the day.

Lit up in fancy lights, elaborate tableaux displayed the birth of Lord Krishna. You could also come across children dressed like Krishna as part of the Birla Mandir celebrations with a peacock feather which has been stuck on their headbands and flutes in their hands. The two milk delicacies of Panjiri and Panchamrit along with fresh fruit are the two common prasadams which were served to the devotees.

Janmashtami in India is celebrated by singing of bhajans or devotional songs and also by the chanting of mantras which resound in all of the temples the whole day while the devotees pour in large numbers to pray to Krishna and his consort Radha. Legend tells us that it was midnight when Lord Krishna was born and it is during this time that the festivities peak. At midnight the priests with regards to the Janmashtami in India perform the "Mahabhishekha" which is an offering of a mixture of water and milk over the deity. It is at this time that the sounds of the ringing of bells and the blowing conches which fill the air.

There are many people in India who bathe a small idol of Lord Krishna in curd, milk and water from the Ganga along with ghee and honey before it is finally placed in a cradle at home. It is after that sweet is prepared at home. The markets at this time are also doing brisk business as people shop for flowers, sweets, decorative items, milk and curd which they will be offering at the temples.

The youngsters during the celebrations of Janmashtami in India take part in the ritual of the matka phod. It is a ritual in which the breaking of earthenware pots which have been previously filled with buttermilk so as to celebrate Krishna’s love for butter and milk, which he is considered to have stolen from the overhanging pots by building human pyramids.

Birla Mandir in Delhi - Major Tourist Attractions in Delhi

Other Names	Birla Temple
Proper Name	Laxmi Narayan Temple
Date Built	1939
Dedicated to	Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi
Primary Deity	Laxmi Narayan (Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi)
Important Festivals	Janmashtami, Diwali

About

It is also the NCT of India and is the capital city. Delhi being the union territory is also the political administration today. It is similar to the state of India as it has its own high court, legislature, and also an executive council of ministers which is run by a Chief Minister. The local government of Delhi and the state government of India together administer New Delhi.

History

Previously, Delhi was once the location of the ancient kingdom of Indraprastha also referred to as Khandavprastha. At the time of the Mahabharata, it was the ancient capital of the Pandavas. Delhi surfaced as one of the important cultural, political, and mercenary city on the trade routes between the Gangetic plain and northwest India and during the Delhi Sultanate era. Emperor Shah Jahan in AD 1639 built a new walled city Shahjahanbad in Delhi. From 1649 until the Great Mutiny of 1857 it acted as the capital of the Mughal Empire.

Today, Shahjahanbad is known as Old Delhi. A major section of Old Delhi is even now restricted within the walls of Shah Jahan’s fort. It still has many of the gates which were built during his rule. These gates include Kashmiri Gate, Delhi Gate, Ajmeri Gate and the Turkman Gate all of which are still there. In 1911, the British shifted their capital from Kolkata to Delhi.

Architecture

The primal architectural monuments of Delhi are from the Mauryan period (c. 300 BC). An imprint of Emperor Ashoka was discovered near Srinivaspuri. The ruins of 8 of the main cities have also been discovered in Delhi. It was in the in the southern part of the present Delhi that the first five cities were discovered. The city of Lal Kot was founded by Anang Pal in AD 736 who was of the Tomara dynasty. In 1180, the Chauhans vanquished Lal Kot and renamed it Qila Rai Pithora.

Nearby Attractions

• Red Fort: It is one of the famous monuments in Delhi and stands as a remembrance of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty who ruled India. The walls of the Red fort extend for more than 2 kilometers. It was in 1638 that these walls were built to keep out invaders. However, these very walls could not keep the Sikhs and the British from capturing the fort. When in the Red fort, you can witness a one hour light and sound show of the fort's history which is held every evening.
• Jama Masjid: This is another of Delhi’s marvelous treasure. It is India’s largest mosque. The courtyard of the mosque can hold 25,000 devotees at a time. It took thirteen years to be completed and it was finally finished in 1650. It is advised that you dress as per the mosque’s rules when visiting the mosque or you won't be allowed in.
• Chandni Chowk: It is located in the main street of old Delhi. It is also one of the oldest as well as the busiest markets in India having narrow winding lanes which sell inexpensive jewelry, fabrics, and electronics. If you are fond of eating, then Chandni Chowk is an ideal hang out if you wish to savor some of Delhi's street food. Here, you will also find the famous Karim Hotel, a Delhi dining institution.
• Humayun's Tomb: If you think Humayun's Tomb is similar to the Taj Mahal of Agra, then the reason for this is that it was the inspiration for Taj Mahal's creation. It was built in 1570. It is here that the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun lies buried.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Delhi is during the months of October to March. This is because it is at this time that the weather is excellent. Also, as this time of the year the flowers are in full bloom, the weather is enjoyable and pleasant and to experience Incredible Delhi.

How to Reach

• Air: You can reach Delhi by air as the Indira Gandhi Airport is well linked with all flights to all of the major cities within and outside India. All of the major airlines also operate their flights from this airport.
• Train: You can also reach Delhi by train as Delhi is well linked by an excellent network of railways from all the major cities of India.
• By Bus: You can also reach Delhi by roadways as Delhi is well linked by an excellent network of roads thereby connecting Delhi from all the major cities of India.