Mangaluru, Karnataka :The halls of the Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple in Mangaluru were alive with colour, devotion and festive energy as children dressed as Krishna and Radha participated in the 44th National-level Children’s Festival and Sri Krishna Vesha Competition.
Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated in the temple, and the festival was celebrated with young people in bright traditional costumes of Lord Krishna and Radha. In the temple, the mood was much more relaxed and families, devotees and visitors were present.
The Sri Krishna Vesha Competition has become an important aspect of Janmashtami in the region and gives kids a chance to be part of a cultural and spiritual festival.
Young people in bright attire with traditional ornaments and Krishna-inspired looks added to the visual appeal of the celebration.
Many children were wearing traditional Krishna dresses and accessories such as peacock feathers, traditional jewellery and colourful clothing, while others portrayed Radha in traditional dresses and accessories.
Their participation showed families who continue to celebrate culture and participate in religious and community events, with younger generations still interested in continuing the tradition.
Karnataka’s 44th National-Level Children’s Festival and Sri Krishna Vesha Competition also reflected on the cultural significance of Krishna Janmashtami.
Krishna Janmashtami is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is celebrated with prayers, devotional programmes, cultural performances and traditional rituals.
At Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple, children in Krishna and Radha costumes were present, and it was very warm here. Parents and family members were in the audience and it really turned into a fun-filled event for children and the whole community.
The competition also allows children to show creativity and their confidence in traditional culture. The event is far from competitive; however, it provides an opportunity for families to celebrate Janmashtami together while introducing kids to the customs of the festival.
#WATCH | Karnataka | Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple premises reverberated with festive fervour as children dressed as Lord Krishna and Radha participate in the 44th edition of the National-Level Children's Festival and Sri Krishna Vesha Competition, on the occasion of Krishna… pic.twitter.com/Ti6K9FcsCe
— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2026
Mangaluru and other parts of coastal Karnataka have very strong traditions of temple festivals and cultural celebrations.
Events such as the Sri Krishna Vesha Competition are still drawing attention for the combination of devotion and children’s participation and cultural expression.
Krishna Janmashtami celebrations continue to take place across Karnataka, and the colourful festival at Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple was one of the places where faith, tradition and childhood enthusiasm came together.
Looking at children in Krishna and Radha clothes was an added pleasure to the festival and brought Janmashtami closer to the younger generation.
The 44th edition of the festival once again showed how traditional celebrations can bring communities together while keeping cultural practices alive among children.
