Mangalore: Janamashtami, the birthday of ‘Lord Krishna’ was celebrated with religious values, gaiety and enthusiasm at Sri Kadri Manjunatheshwara Temple here on Sunday August 17.

Little kids were dressed in colorful costumes depicting roles of Krishna, along with their mothers who dressed as Yashoda and Devaki, while fathers dressed as Vasudeva.

Thousands of tiny tots participated in the Krishna Vesha (costume) competition an annual event, organized by Kalkura Foundation, inaugurated by Laxminarayana Asranna on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami festival.

The competition was held in 19 categories: ‘Sri Krishna Varna Vaibhava’, ‘Kanda Krishna’ for infants, ‘Muddu Krishna’, ‘Thunta Krishna’ for toddlers, ‘Bala Krishna’ for children between 3 and 4 years, ‘Nanda Gokula’ for those in UKG and first standard, ‘Sri Krishna’ for children of second to fourth standards, ‘Geeta Krishna’ for students up till seventh standard, ‘Yasha Krishna’ for those up till 10 standard, ‘Radha Krishna’ for girls and boys of seventh standard, specially-abled kids were also encouraged to participate.

The competition was held at the Sri Mahaganapathi temple, Abhisheka Mandira, near Ashwatha Katte, Shri Krishna Janma Mahotsava Samithi Vedike, Abhisheka Mandira first floor, Kalyana Mantapa, Manjushree, Abhisheka Mandira and other places.