Vrindavan-like atmosphere created in Global Mall
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.”
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