Continuing the festive fervor, the festival of Janmashtami, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, was observed at Apex Athena on 26 August 2024. Residents marked the occasion with great devotion. Ardent devotees observed a fast until sunrise the next day, while others participated in singing bhajans and kirtans to honor Lord Krishna.
As midnight approached, everyone gathered around the idol of Lord Krishna, placed in his Ladoo Gopal avatar in a cradle. Dressed in their finest attire, residents folded their hands in prayer and recited the Krishna Aarti. The idol was given a holy bath (ablution) with panchamrit, a mixture of dahi, milk, ghee, sugar, and honey. After the rituals, the celebration continued with the distribution of dhaniya panjiri prasad, panchamrit, and Chappan Bhog, all of which had been offered to the idol.
The festival concluded with the Chhati Puja, observed six days after Janmashtami on 31 August. The idol of Baal Gopal was once again bathed in panchamrit and dressed in new clothes, while residents danced and sang bhajans in celebration. As a mark of devotion, Maakhan-Mishri prasad was offered to the idol. A special dish of curry rice, considered auspicious for the day, was also prepared and distributed among the residents, bringing the joyous occasion to a close with shared blessings and community spirit.
