Celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, the festival of Janmashtami is a popular event not only in India but in many other countries across the world. Devotees of Lord Krishna solemnise the festival with lot of joy and enthusiasm. All efforts are made to give the festival an extremely decorative look. Vedic Heritage has a big role to play in the endeavour of the Indians festivals which are solemnized and enjoyed in a great.
It is under the able leadership and guidance of our beloved GuruMaa that Vedic Heritage Maath in NY has been advocating, inculcating and strengthening the spirit of being an Indian amongst the wide spread Indo American community here. Vedic Heritage recently celebrated Janmashtami on August 13th from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. We had many people who sang bhajans and also inspiring lectures on Lord Krishna. There were a whole variety of acts both young and old. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. To start things off Balaji sang different bhajans on Krishna. He was also the one who tutored and arranged the next act. The next act included Ashchariya, Akarsh, Tanvi, Hanu, Monica Batra and Mohit Batra who accompanied them with the tabla. Monika sang a solo while being continually accompanied by Mohit Batra on the tabla. The last of the children to sing were Tanya and Selvi who sang the Hanuman Chalisa. Everyone was pleased to see the younger generation taking a part in the holiday. Bala trained them and they performed many songs to praise Lord Krishna. There were also times in between when lectures were given on Lord Krishna by Swastriji. .
Then a local group of women performed different songs. These songs were dedicated to both Hanumanji and Lord Krishna. Afterwards a group with KulBushal Sharma, Mr. Tiwari & many others performed different Krishna bhajans that they had collaborated. Then finally everyone celebrated with dandia and gathered around at 12 A.M to see the LadooGopal . Lord Krishna is believed to have been born during midnight amidst heavy rains around 5000 years back in Dwapur Yug. The festivity of Janmashtami reached its peak at this time. During midnight, Lord Krishna was welcomed by blowing of Shankh (conch), arti was performed by Pandit Rameshji. The temple echoed with slogans like 'Jai Shri Krishna'. Devotees showered flowers on the idol of Bhagwan Krishna. The occasion came alive when one of the trustees, Motibhai Patel came dressed as Nand Baba holding little Yug dressed as Krishna. Everyone present was rejoicing and had tears in their eyes seeing this touching depiction.
Also ‘lil Kapish was dressed up as Krishna holding his flute and the “peacock feather” in the hair. Panchamrit- a mixture of gangajal, honey, sugar, ghee and curd was distributed. Prasad was then distributed.
