Festivals are special days to celebrate our glorious tradition, culture, and heritage with happiness, peace, harmony and inclusivity. Such celebrations help us in building community, learning values, celebrating special moments and emotions with loved ones, and making more friendly ties with our neighbours.
Janmashtami, that celebrates Lord Krishna’s birth, Lord Vishnu’s eighth incarnation, is one such celebration. Children of my age learn about India’s glorious culture. When we hear about Krishna’s childhood exploits, including his pranks and his mother Yashoda’s love, we feel that we are as divine as our gods; such a thought connects us more to our Gods.
We realise that God resides in each one of us; we think of tapping the divinity within. It also teaches us Krishna’s moral values, such as the importance of honesty and integrity and how he was always by the side of the helpless and how he fought injustice!
In Lotus Boulevard, Janmashtami is celebrated every year with immense joy and passion by all residents! It is one of the most awaited festivals in which residents participate actively, and in large numbers.
This year, the festival was celebrated on Monday, 26 August. It started at 7 PM with ‘Deep Prajwalan’ by AOA board members followed by Ganesh Vandana, fancy dress, group dances, Krishna Leela, Maha Raas and Jhanki from Lord Krishna’s life.
The most popular activity was ‘Dahi Handi’ in which all boys and girls participated. This was followed by Satsang and celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth at 12 midnight.
Such community celebrations are an indicator of a healthy society that upholds the principle of unity and inclusivity, where all residents happily co-exist as one large extended family and are together in joy and sorrow!
May Lord Krishna bless us all!
