More than 600 people participated in a
Janmashtami celebration on Friday, Aug. 14, in the Impact Conference
Center in Global Mall. The event, hosted by Radha Madhav Society, began
at 7 p.m. and went on till 12:30 a.m.
The devotion to Lord Krishna was evident in the diligent work of
all the volunteers and sponsors. The stage was resplendent with red,
white and gold. With flowers and green trees in abundance, the entire
center gave the feeling of Vrindavan with its fragrance of jasmine and
tulsi. The cradle, in which Baby Krishna was gently rocked by devotees
throughout the night, was decorated with flowers and gold tissue.
The program started with a Bharat Natyam dance by Aparna Chandran
of Nrityanjali, followed by Dr. Asmita Joshi’s enactment of a monologue
titled “Meera Bai in her own words.” She also sang Meera bhajans in her
melodious voice.
The highlight of the cultural program was the dances performed by
Kumud Savla and her dance troupe of Nritya Natya Kala Bharti. The
dancers expertly enacted various pastimes of Krishna based on
devotional songs of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj sung by Anup
Jalota. The combination of song, dance, music and devotion transformed
the atmosphere to resemble Vrindavan, the divine land where Krishna
performed loving pastimes. The performance of the dancers evoked an
extremely devotional effect, inspiring devotees to raise their hands in
glory to Lord Krishna and shout out loud “Jai Kanhaiya Laal kee.”
Another highlight of the event was a discourse on “Significance of
Janmashtami” by Sushri Siddheshvari Devi Ji, founder of Radha Madhav
Society. Speaking both in English and Hindi, Didi Ji explained the true
significance of Janmashtami and shed light on the divine birth of Lord
Krishna, all supported by testimonies from scriptures such as the
Upanishads, Purans, Geeta and Ramayan. The lecture was full of deep
knowledge of scriptures put into simple words. While chanting, Didi
Ji’s voice carried on mellifluously throughout the celebration,
reminding everyone of the significance of the occasion.
Devotees performed abhishek (bathing ceremony) of Baby Krishna with
panchamrit (five nectars: milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar) amidst
keertan glorifying Krishna. The panchamrit was then distributed to all
the devotees and an auspicious silver coin was given to all who had
taken the opportunity to bathe the Divine Child.
Radha Madhav Society provided boxed dinners to all who attended.
The traditional panjeeri prasad was distributed to all devotees and the
fresh white churned butter, sweetened with misri, left everyone wanting
more.
The program concluded with the performance of aarti of Baal Krishna
and loud chanting of ‘Haathi, Ghoda Paalki – Jai Kanhaiya Laal ki.’
“We have taken an initiative to bring the community together for
such a joyous occasion and we could not have done it without the active
participation of volunteers and sponsors,” said Dr. Manisha Gupta,
president of Radha Madhav Society. “We are thankful to Shiv Mandir,
Sonal Furniture, 5th Season and Nritya Natya Kala Bharti for their
generous assistance.”