Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Aug 29: Celebration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, is always a mixture of fun and devotion. But this time, just like last year, coronavirus has played spoilsport.

Every year people would decorate their houses with flowers and celebrate the festival in a grand manner. In several places Krishna costume contests for children would be held and temples would brim with devotees. The pandemic has dampened the celebrations this year.

Usually on the eve of Janmashtami, markets in the city are crowded with people buying flowers, garlands, Tulsi etc. However, on Saturday August 29, a day before the celebrations, the markets witnessed less than normal crowd with the weekend curfew imposed by the district administration to contain the spread of coronavirus

Only a handful of people thronged the markets on Sunday. Flower vendors, makers and sellers of 'mude', and vegetable vendors witnessed a sharp fall in business as compared to previous years. Flower vendors who arrived from outside the district hoping to make sales were left disappointed. People were seen at the old market buying flowers and essential commodities to celebrate the festival in a simple manner.

Altogether, the pandemic coupled with weekend curfew has taken a toll on celebration and festivity this year.