Varanasi: The historic city of Varanasi witnessed a spectacular display of devotion and cultural heritage on Friday as the nearly 500-year-old Nag Nathaiya Leela was staged at Tulsi Ghat. Thousands of devotees gathered along the riverfront to witness the enactment of Lord Krishna’s victory over the poisonous serpent Kaliya.
The highlight of the event came when a young boy portraying child Krishna climbed a Kadamba tree and leapt into the waters of the Ganga, which symbolically represented the Yamuna for the occasion. The scene recreated the legendary episode from Krishna’s childhood in which he entered the river to confront Kaliya, who had poisoned its waters and terrorised the people.
After the dramatic sequence, Krishna emerged standing on the serpent’s hood, playing his flute. The moment was greeted with loud chants of “Jai Shri Krishna” and “Har Har Mahadev”. Devotees watched from the ghat steps, nearby buildings and boats on the river.
The tradition is associated with Goswami Tulsidas, who is credited with starting the Leela nearly five centuries ago. The annual event is organised by the Mahant family associated with Sankat Mochan Temple and remains an important part of Kashi’s traditional religious celebrations.
The Kashi royal family was also represented at the event by Kunwar Anant Narayan Singh, who offered flowers and prayers.
Mahant Vishwambhar Nath Mishra said the Leela also carries a message about environmental protection. Recalling how Krishna freed the Yamuna from Kaliya’s poison, he emphasised the need to clean the Ganga and protect its waters from pollution.
The centuries-old performance once again brought together faith, mythology and Varanasi’s living cultural traditions.
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