KARACHI, Aug 14 The Hindu community in the city celebrated the annual festival of Janamashtami, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, with religious fervour on Friday.

This year, the occasion has coincided with the Independence Day of Pakistan.

Members of the Hindu community offered special prayers at all temples in the city. The main congregation was held at the Swami Narayan Temple, located opposite the old KMC building on M.A. Jinnah Road.

Hindu clerics delivered sermons to impress upon the community members the need to follow the teachings of Lord Krishna. Bhajans and religious songs were also sung at the gatherings.

The congregations concluded with prayers for the solidarity and integrity of the country and prosperity of the community.

Devotees in large numbers visited temples and exchanged greetings and gifts. Hindu men, women and children thronged various picnic spots in the city.

Langar (free food) was also distributed among devotees at the temples.