Chennai, Aug 28 (IANS): People in Tamil Nadu celebrated Gokulashtami or Janmashtami with traditional fervour Wednesday performing special prayers at home for Lord Krishna to celebrate his birthday.
Homes wore a festive look with mango leaf streamers hanging from the doors while baby footprints (drawn with rice flour mixed with water) decorated the floor from the entrance door to the prayer room. The footprints symbolise the coming of Krishna into their homes.
After prayers, it was time for "seedai", a (salt and sweet) snack made of lentil and rice flour, "rava laddoo" (a sweet ball made of semolina, fine-powdered sugar and ghee) and the day’s special 'Navaneetham’ (plain butter mixed with rock candy).
The goodies were shared with neighbours.