Key Takeaways:

• President Paudel: Krishna's teachings promote harmony, compassion, duty
• Festival strengthens unity in Nepal's multi-ethnic, multi-religious society
• Devotees fasting, praying, keeping vigil; fairs at Patan's Krishna Mandir
• Bhajan-kirtan, discourses, chariot parades organised in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 4 Devotees across Nepal are celebrating Krishna Janmashtami today with prayers, fasting and all-night vigils, marking the birth of Lord Krishna. Extending greetings, President Ramchandra Paudel said Krishna's teachings on truth, justice, duty and selfless action remain relevant in contemporary life, helping promote harmony, compassion, friendship and a sense of duty in society. He added that the festival also strengthens emotional unity in Nepal's multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural society. Followers of the Vedic Sanatana faith are observing the festival by worshipping Lord Krishna, organising religious discourses and bhajan-kirtan, fasting and keeping vigil through the night. According to tradition, Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Bhadra during the Dwapara Yuga. The night is known as Moharatri. A major fair is being held at the historic Krishna Mandir in Mangalbazar, Patan, drawing large crowds. Devotees are also gathering at Navatan Dham in Kageshwari-Manohara Municipality and at Krishna temples nationwide. In Kathmandu, religious organisations are organising cultural processions and chariot parades featuring tableaux depicting Krishna. Krishna is revered as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, regarded as a proponent of Gyana Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. His teachings to Arjuna in the Shreemad Bhagavad Gita are considered sacred scripture. The government has declared a public holiday today on the occasion of the festival.