Krishna Janmashtami fills Hyderabad with colour, music and midnight prayers

Peacock feathers rose and fell above the crowds, little Krishnas and Radhas padded through temple corridors, and flower-decked cradles waited for the midnight hour. Across Hyderabad on Friday, Janmashtami unfolded in a familiar blend of devotion, colour and childhood wonder.

Long before the city settled into its day, temples had begun stirring to the sound of bells, chants and devotional music. From the first rituals at dawn to the abhishekam that drew devotees towards midnight, temples across the city remained busy as people gathered to celebrate the birth of Krishna.

But Janmashtami was not confined to temple courtyards. Its presence could be spotted in neighbourhood streets and bylanes, in strings of flowers and lights, children dressed as Krishna, and households preparing for the festivities. In several parts of the city, preparations for Ganesh puja pandals had already begun.