JANMASHTAMI

Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna who was born to King Vasudeva And Devaki Devi. It is celeberated for two days in a memorable way.



In the first celeberation which takes place at midnight, the image of the infant Balkrishna is bathed and cradled. The conch shell is blown, people sing devotional songs, dance to the music, chant bhajans, give all the possible offerings.



Singing and dancing reveal the devotional mood and joy of the worshipper. Offering of flowers remind us to be pure and beautiful like flowers. Coconut symbolises selfless service, the breaking of coconut reveals we are breaking down our ego before the Lord. The clapping of hands, ringing of the bell activates our accupressure points. Decoration of the image and fruits & delicacies, show us the beauty of art in its full form.



On the second day of the festival a popular ceremony known as 'Dahi Handi' (Pot of Curd) takes place. In that ceremony a pot containing curd, rupees, fruits is hung from a height, youth break the pot by building a human pyramid. What a wonderful pyramid it is! One feels it must be included in the Olympic as an eventful sport.



Janmashtami celeberation is incomplete without sharing the teachings of Bhagvad Geeta. It is considered universal truth for moral and spiritual growth. It leads you to the path of knowledge . It teaches us knowledge is power. Knowledge removes darkness. Knowledge takes us towards higher ideals.Knowledge is sacred and divine.



Work is worship----Always perform your duty efficiently,without any selfish attachment to the result.



There are 700 verses in Bhagvad Geeta these are some which I like. Read Bhagvad Geeta for divine knowledge and chant 'Hare Krishna--Hare Raama' for eternal peace.