Mangaluru — Sri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated across Dakshina Kannada on Friday with devotional zeal and traditional observances. Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna will conduct special pujas, while many other shrines will host cultural and religious programmes. Families, too, are making preparations for the occasion.
On Thursday, local markets witnessed heavy footfall as residents shopped for festival essentials. There was strong demand for flowers, fruits, and moode leaves used in preparing kadubu. Shoppers also bought harive dantu (amaranthus leaves), ginger plants, and banana leaves in large quantities. Popular flowers such as chrysanthemum, jasmine, jaaji, zinnia, and kakada were in high circulation, with prices varying by quality and source.
This year’s continuous rains have caused a shortfall in locally grown vegetables, leading to a spike in market prices. Many households have had to adjust their festive shopping lists accordingly.
Interestingly, the festival date varies depending on the calendar followed. As per the lunar calendar (Chandramana), some devotees will observe Makar Sankramana on August 15, while according to the solar calendar (Souramana), Janmashtami will fall on September 14.