Indian temples prepare for Janmashtami midnight celebrations

Major Hindu temples in India are preparing for Janmashtami celebrations. At the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, the annual Mangala Aarti will be held at a special midnight schedule on September 5, following the Mahabhishek. For the first time, the ceremony will be streamed live online to allow remote devotees to participate. To manage large crowds, only 600 pass-holding devotees will be permitted inside the temple.

In Ayodhya, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is also organizing midnight celebrations. The festivities will include bhajan, kirtan, and traditional rituals such as Abhishekam and the offering of Chhappan Bhog, following the traditions of the Ramananda Sampradaya. Devotees are expected to gather in large numbers for the midnight observances.