Category : Religious
The naughty son of Yashoda, fervent lover of Radha, empathetic friend of Panchali, proficient guide of Pandavas, spiritual philosopher of Arjun or the consummate politician of Mahabharata; life of Krishna, exhibited his various facets, all entwined into one. Like the colourful peacock feather worn by him, Krishna displayed myriad shades of his enigmatic personality on this earthly world. Reciprocating everyone with a distinct individuality of sentiments, the essence of Krishna, therefore is eternal, universal. And thus, Janmashtmi, the birth day of Krishna, holds a special significance in the lives of his countless followers, who celebrate the day with fervour globally.
Across the world, people fast unto midnight on Janmashtmi, when Krishna was born. They sing, dance, chant and meditate remembering the lord, enacting him, celebrating his birth. While his flirtatious Rasleela is held in Vrindavan; the mischievous dahi handi is celebrated in Maharashtra; depicting life times of Krishna on Janmashtmi. In Gokul and Mathura, Krishna’s abishek with various auspicious liquids is held with high spirits. While the city of Dwarka, Krishna’s own land, comes alive with celebrations and devotional recitations throughout the day.
The festivities held everywhere, substantiate the profound joy of birth of Krishna. But more importantly, Janmashtmi symbolises the birth of god as human, to demolish the prevalent evil. Krishna in Bhagwad Gita says that whenever faith is under attack or evil will predominate, he will reincarnate to destroy it and save the good. Janmashtmi therefore is more significant than a mere festival. It signifies the presence of Krishna amongst us, as a benevolent god, a compassionate teacher and a fierce protector. The perfect balance of extremes, a mischievous makhan chor or the divine preacher of karma; Krishna, teaches us to pursue the materialistic world but not get immersed in it, oblivious to the presence of supreme. Janmashtmi therefore not only celebrates the presence of Krishna years ago, it asks us to absorb and manifest Krishna’s preaching and values in our own life today.
So celebrate Janmashtmi this year with little Krishna, and imbibe his balance between the spiritual and the material world; teaching the equilibrium of life, making the world a better place to live.
