On Janmashtami, popular author Chetan Bhagat pointed out that in each one of his books, the ‘hero was always a character named after Lord Krishna. He wrote on Twitter: “Hari (five point someone). Shyam (one night @ the call center) Govind (3 mistakes of my life) Krish (2 states) Gopal (Revolution 2020) Madhav (Half Girlfriend) Radhika /Brijesh (One Indian Girl) And tomo.. it is Keshav. All my books. Krishna is the hero. Happy Janamasthami to all!”
He also announced that the protagonist of his new book would also be called Keshav and said that he would launch the cover on September 3.
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Janmashtami, an annual Hindu festival, marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated on the Ashtami (eight the day of the month) of Krishna Paksha (night between the new moon and the full moon) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon (holy month of Shravana). According to the Gregorian Calendar, the festival usually falls in the month of August or September. The festival is celebrated with great joy and fervour by Hindus.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Janmashtami.
Taking to his twitter handle, President Kovind appealed to citizens to follow the path of virtue and righteousness in thought, word, and ded.
"Greetings and good wishes to fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. The teachings of Lord Krishna have a universal message - Nishkam Karma. May this festival inspire us to follow the path of virtue and righteousness in thought, word and deed," the President tweeted.
The Prime Minister tweeted "Janmashtami greetings to everyone."
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna.
In Mathura, which is considered to be the birthplace or 'Janmabhoomi' of Lord Krishna, devotees thronged temples in large numbers to offer prayers on the auspicious occasion.
In Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, children were seen dressed up in festive attire.
Delhi's ISKCON temple was also decked up on the occasion. In Nepal, a Krishna temple in Lalitpur, which was damaged by the earthquake in 2015, reopened after three-years on the occasion.
Devotees observe a day-long fast only to open it next day when the Asthami tithi or the eight day is over. The devotees gear up to welcome baby Krishna to their homes by performing Krishna Abhishekam. People decorate Lord Krishna’s idol with new garments and fresh flowers after bathing the idol with milk, ghee and water. Then bhog is offered to the deity. Devotees fast on this day. They adhere to phalahar diet (diet which consists of fruits and water) during the hours of fasting.
Lord Krishna, also known as Nandlala, is made to rest in a cradle. The cradle is then rocked by the devotees while performing the religious ceremonies. Bala Krishna, the child Krishna, is a divine child and one of the popular deities of Hindus across India. People across India dress their children like Bala Krishna and celebrate the festival. Janmashtami is widely Celebrated across India in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, South India, Rajasthan. A day after Janmashtami is celebrated as Dahi Handi festival in Maharashtra.
