The entire city has become a hub of activity, with temples, streets, and homes adorned with colorful decorations. The celebrations creating a friendly and divine environment.Temples, especially those which were dedicated to Lord Krishna, such as the Dwarkadhish Temple and Banke Bihari Temple, were beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and traditional motifs. Devotees throng to these temples to offer prayers and witness special ceremonies. Special dishes, sweets, and delicacies were prepared for the occasion, including "panjiri," "makhana kheer," and "poha." These traditional foods were offered to Lord Krishna and shared among devotees
Ras Leela Performances; a reenactment of Lord Krishna's playful dance with the gopis (milkmaids), was the evidence of the enjoyment the festival brought among the people. Local artists and actors performed this divine dance drama, enchanting the audience with their devotion and skill.
Colorful processions featuring idols of Lord Krishna were taken through the streets of Mathura. Devotees sang bhajans (devotional songs) chanting mantras, creating a joyous and spiritual atmosphere. The processions are often accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. The parade a welcome of new beginnings.
Dahi Handi, the popular tradition associated with Krishna Ashtami, was performed where young men form human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd or butter, symbolizing Lord Krishna's love for dairy products. This event is highly competitive and draws large crowds.
And then started the midnight celebrations. The actual birth time of Lord Krishna, believed to be at midnight, is the highlight of the festival.
At this moment, the entire city became alive with the sound of conch shells, bells, and devotional songs. Temples opened their doors for special midnight prayers and offerings, and the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
The festival created a vibrant and spiritually enriching experience that showcased the city's deep-rooted connection with Lord Krishna. It brought people of all backgrounds together in a celebration of faith, devotion, and love for the divine. Mathura, with its rich history and cultural heritage, remains the quintessential destination to experience the magic of Krishna Ashtami and to witness the eternal love for Lord Krishna in the hearts of its people.
Aryan and Tara enjoyed the whole day, participating in every activity that was performed in the estate. Especially the dahi handi ritual that was performed in their huge garden, Aryan climbing the human pyramid, felt the joy within, the second he broke the pot, while Tara and his grandparents cheered him.
Adhrit and Arya couldn't help but recall the sweet memories of their son, Vikram, once participating in the same ritual.
Later Aryan and Tara visited temples, getting to see the auspicious places of Mathura. The streets they travelled, drowned in the joyous moments of celebrations, the parades, devotional songs, the enchanting of the lord, and the most entertaining things, people, mainly kids, enjoying the throw of vibrant colours on each other.
Their hearts filled with a new contentment, a feel of relief and peace combined with devotion, which they never knew they had, embraced them.
The night, after they returned to the estate, they also participated in the midnight celebrations.
The day, the new beginning, was a memory to remember forever for them.
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The celebrations were a part of light that enveloped Tara and Aryan, anyhow, the darkness indeed stay still, its disappearance awaited.
Deep couldn't help but feel happy for his sister, watching her from a far, yet the feel of watching her in secret, spying her, kept eating him up, and moreover, the companion he had, the man, Vinson, really didn't help either. The unknown motive of his participation in this issue, deeply bothering him.
And to the unknown's eyes, there was Aarohi, following Tara indirectly, as a part of following Deep. She was yet to know why Deep was getting into this rather choosing to reach for cops, and she strongly believed the presence of a concrete reason behind.
The day felt like, as in the world of light, they were searching the light, the darkness within, a painful sting at their hearts.
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Tara and Aryan woke up late, of course, the reason was the midnight celebrations. By noon, they were up for the breakfas.... well lunch!
With a really fresh mood, they informing their grandparents, went ahead to roam around, to know the place more better. They cannot in free, after getting known by everyone that they are from royal family, and so, they took the opportunity.
The busy streets welcoming them to the lively nature of the environment were a vibrant tapestry of colors and culture, bustling with energy that mirrors the lively spirit of the city itself. Through the narrow lanes, the air is filled with the sweet aroma of street food, and the sounds of vendors haggling and cheerful banter create a symphony unique to this ancient town.
The shops lining the streets are a treasure trove of traditional craftsmanship and spirituality. Ornate displays of intricately designed idols and religious artifacts beckoning passersby's, while vibrant textiles and clothing showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region.
In these shops, one can find everything from delicately embroidered fabrics to handcrafted souvenirs, each telling a story of Mathura's artistic legacy.
Amidst the myriad of shops, local street vendors offer a delightful array of snacks and sweets. The tempting fragrance of jalebis and the sizzle of samosas being fried waft through the air, tempting taste buds.
As they walked by, Aryan halted, letting Tara walk ahead.
Deep and Vinson had to hide behind a wall when Aryan took a sudden halt, while fearing of being faced by Deep, Aarohi had to cover her face with her scarf, suddenly taking over the customer's role, pretending to buy something.
Tara who wondered of Aryan's sudden absence beside her turned back, to see him standing still, a frown ceased her brows as she reached him, "What's the matter?"
"I feel...strange!"
Her head tilted at the uncertain reply as he turned back, as if searching for someone specific, "I feel like, .... we're being followed!"