Ranchi, Sept. 1: All roads led to temples and markets today as residents of the state capital poured out to celebrate Janmashtami.

While hundreds offered puja, many, including college girls, swarmed market places to buy knick-knacks for decking up Lord Krishna.

Many city schools also hosted programmes to celebrate the festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna.

Shops in the narrow by-lanes of Upper Bazar and Kutchery market — all decorated with colourful streamers and translucent mini bulbs — had been doing brisk business since morning. Customers thronged to buy wooden and metal swings, costumes and jewellery for Krishna.

Abhay Bajaj, the owner of a shop selling puja paraphernalia at Upper Bazar, said the demand for decorative items was huge. “We have almost sold our stock of costumes, jewellery, swings and flutes procured for Janmashtami,” Bajaj said. The costumes were brought from Calcutta, Vrindavan and Varanasi, he added. The price range varied between Rs 15 and Rs 150. The wooden and metal swings cost Rs 150.

College student Neha Sharma, who was spotted at one of the shops, said, “I love this festival, as I get an opportunity to deck up my little idol.”

Kindergarten schools like Roots To Wings held a number of programmes on the life of Krishna. Tiny tots also enacted his pranks with gopis.

The students of St Mary’s (N) School performed a dance, Bada Natkhat hai, depicting the affection between Yashoda and Krishna. The little ones also danced to the song Jo Hai Albela.

Temples were busy getting ready for rituals at midnight when Krishna was said to be born.