New Delhi, Aug. 18 -  The International Society for Krishna Consciousness ( ISKCON) temple is all set for celebrating Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna in an astounding manner.

In the temple, 'Mangal Aarti' ended at around 4.30 in the morning, followed by the 'Sringar' of Lord Krishna.

An official of the temple told ANI, "At 10.30 in the night, even bigger process of decorating the Lord Krishna will take place with milk, curd, honey, water of Holy River Ganga and flower petals. Afterwards, at sharp 12 in the night, the god will be treated with 1008 different types of food items, followed by a 'Maha Aarti' at 12.30a. m.".

"We are expecting around ten lakh devotees to turn up for the celebration at night and the security arrangements have been made accordingly. It involves one thousand security guards along with the volunteers and seven hundered police officials in collaboration with four ambulances, two fire vans and a team of medical experts with complete first aid requirements. To keep an eye on the activities sixty CCTV cameras have also been installed", he added

Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India in the month of July or August. According to the Hindu calendar, this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon.

The actual celebration of Janmashtami takes place during the midnight as Sri Krishna is believed to be born on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and violence of his uncle, Kansa. All over India this day is celebrated with devotional songs and dances, pujas, arti, blowing of the Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna.

The Janmashtami celebration of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Sri Krishna had spent his life, are very special. On this day, temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples. (ANI)