HARISH (ISRAEL): Janmashtami has been celebrated with much fanfare in this small town in the north of Israel, with devotees thronging the place from all parts of the country chanting Hare Krishna, Hare Rama .

The small township has attracted the attention of the devout, who have formed a small community and settled down here in isolation from the mainstream.

All the followers are Jews, most of whom came in touch with the Vaishnava ideals during their visit to India and have started practicing them rigorously.

On the occasion of the birth of the lord they staged plays revolving around stories of Krishna's childhood, besides singing and dancing late into the night just like the bhaktas in India. They also served 108 delicious dishes, a number that has come to be attached with the faith.

The followers of the group also frequent Vrindavan and Mayapuri, in India every year.

First secretary, Subrata Das, present on the occasion called the occasion "another manifestation of the strengthening Indo-Israeli cultural ties".

Copyright UNI

Haribol