New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS): Delhi was gripped by Janmashtami fervour on Saturday, as the birthday celebrations of the much-loved Hindu deity Lord Krishna began with kirtans (religious songs) at homes and temples.

Queues of devotees outside Krishna temples, little children dressed up as Krishna with flutes in hand and a peacock feather stuck on the headbands, and elaborate tableaux depicting the birth of the deity were seen at many temples.

Devotees began assembling at the Birla Mandir, the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple and Akshardham temple since early morning, many dancing to the beat of drums and chanting - "Krishna Krishna hare hare..."

The temples in the capital were decorated colourfully with lights and flowers. Many people kept a fast through the day.

Surbhi Singh, an IT professional, said: "All members of our family are fasting to celebrate the Lord Krishna's birthday. We visited the ISKON temple and offered prayers."

"I started my day with offering prayers in temple and I would be fasting the whole day. In the night a cultural function has been organised by our society," Meenakshi Kapoor told IANS.

Krishna is one of the most lovable gods. Famed for his naughty antics as a child and his flirtatious playfulness, Krishna is at the same time deemed the ultimate saviour and protector.