Government to Award 15 Best Decorated Temples
Rs. 1.5 Lakh to 3 Temples, Rs. 1 Lakh to 5, Rs. 51,000 to 7 Temples
Shri Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated with Grandeur at CM’s Residence
Over 1,000 Kids Dressed as Bal-Gopal and Radha-Krishna
CM Residence Comes Alive with Krishna Consciousness
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the places associated with Lord Shri Krishna’s life are venerable. The state government is developing all such locations and sites associated with Shri Krishna’s eternal memories into pilgrimage destinations. CM Dr. Yadav added that, like the Ram Van Gaman Path, the government is working on the development of the Shri Krishna Path. This includes the Sandipani Ashram in Ujjain, Janapav in Dhar and Amjhera pilgrimage sites. All these places are as sacred as Gokul.
CM Dr. Yadav said that Lord Shri Krishna enshrined democracy by killing the tyrant Kansa. Bal Gopal Krishna and Balaram had liking for butter. To prevent butter from Gokul reaching Mathura, Krishna formed a team with his companions and began breaking the butter pots—a symbolic rebellion against the oppressive forces. Through his pious acts, Yogeshwar Shri Krishna demonstrated the purposeful path of life to society.
The Chief Minister was addressing the Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Haldhar Mahotsav and Leeladhar Prakatotsav celebrations held at the CM residence on Saturday. The festivities began with the ritual of Jalabhishek, worship and lamp-lighting of Bal Gopal Krishna in the presence of ISKCON priests chanting mantras. Devotees participating through ISKCON International were also given Krishna idols (Laddu Gopal), literature and prasad.
CM Dr. Yadav said that during the great Mahabharata war, Shri Krishna instructed Arjuna through the Bhagavad Gita and always stood with the Pandavas to protect dharma. While leaving Dwarkapuri, he did not enthrone and always wore the peacock crown, symbolizing his commitment to rural cultural heritage. CM Dr. Yadav added that the state government is promoting Krishna’s knowledge, teachings, and cultural heritage. Initiatives like the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Scheme have been launched to protect cows and increase farmers’ income through milk production.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the government has established ‘Sandipani’ schools to instill values in children, creating ‘Bal Gopal Krishna’ in every home, teaching them the ideals of Lord Shri Ram and providing quality education. The friendship of Shri Krishna and Sudama serves as an exemplary model of social harmony.
The Chief Minister further informed that under the Janmashtami, Haldhar Mahotsav and Leeladhar Prakatotsav celebrations, the Culture Department organised devotional cultural programs at 162 major temples. Additionally, over 3,000 Krishna temples in the state were decorated and adorned for the festival. Local MPs, ministers, MLAs and other representatives celebrated Janmashtami with the public. The government announced 15 awards for attractive temple decorations—three awards of Rs. 1.5 lakh, five awards of Rs. 1 lakh and seven awards of Rs. 51,000 each.
During the Janmashtami celebrations, mothers and sisters were given Bal Gopal Krishna idols, decorations, panjiri, makhan-mishri and prasad. The celebrations included chanting “Hathi Ghoda Palki—Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki, Nand Ghar Anand Bhayo—Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki,” the ceremonial breaking of pots by children and singing ‘Govinda Ala Re’. Over 1,000 children dressed as Bal Gopal and Radha-Krishna, accompanied by their parents and sisters.
CM Dr. Yadav enjoyed musical presentations based on the leelas of Shri Krishna & Radha and affectionately held the children portraying Kishan Kanhaiya. Group photographs were also taken with participants.
Officials and dignitaries present included Minister of Backward Classes & Minority Welfare (Independent Charge) Smt. Krishna Gaur, Minister of Public Health & Medical Education Shri Narendra Shivaji Patel, Khajuraho MP Shri V.D. Sharma, Bhopal MP Shri Alok Sharma, MLAs Shri Rameshwar Sharma and Shri Bhagwan Das Sabnani, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, Municipal Corporation Chairperson Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, former Union Minister Shri Suresh Pachauri, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, DGP Shri Kailash Makwana, Additional Chief Secretary CM Office Shri Neeraj Mandloi, Secretary & Commissioner Public Relations Dr. Sudam Khade, CM’s Cultural Advisor Shri Shriram Tiwari, former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Raghunandan Sharma, former organizational leader Shri Makhan Singh, social workers Shri Hitanand Sharma, Shri Ravindra Yati, Shri Sumit Pachaur and numerous other devotees.
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