Thiruvananthapuram: Janmashtami was celebrated in Kerala's two foremost temples namely Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur, on Monday amid strict COVID protocols.

Special poojas and rituals like ceremonial feast and cow worship were performed in Krishna temples in the state. Devotees have been allowed darshan since 3 am in Guruvayur Temple. Shiveli (rituals) was also held. The melam (beating traditional drums) was conducted in the morning.

Meanwhile, at Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a few devotees visited the temple and COVID-appropriate behaviour was strictly placed inside the temple premises. People can be seen double-masked in the temple. Krishnanattam (form of dance), which is regularly held at night, will be limited because of night curfew in place in the state. Devotees were happy because the temple was opened for the general public, unlike the last year.

Janmashtami celebrations in Uttar Pradesh: In Krishna Nagari Mathura temples are also adorned with flowers and beautiful lightings. At Radha Raman temple, Radha Damodar temple and Shah Ji temple, Janmashtami would be celebrated during the day. ISKON Temple is also full of devotees including large number of foreign nationals. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be reaching Mathura this afternoon and he will be the first Chief Minister to take part in the Janmashtami celebrations at Mathura.

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