September 28, 2005
USA & Canada
The North American
Mahila Mandal celebrated Janmashtami, the auspicious occasion
of the birthday of Lord Krishna on Sraavan Vad Aatham all
across North America. The festivities were carried out through
various devotional and cultural presentations.
The main theme
of the Samaiyo event was "Hari Na Range Rangai", and "Pativrataa
Ni Bhakti." The celebrations began with deep pragatya, stuti,
dhoon and prarthana followed by devotional kirtans accompanied
with classical Indian instruments such as the sitar, tabla,
and harmonium. The upbeat music and rhythmic tunes energized
the devotees who clapped and sang along. The Balika, Kishori,
Yuvati & Suvasini Mandals performed beautifully choreographed
dances adding traditional flare to the festivities. Several
drama skits unfolding the birth and life events of Shri Krishna
were staged out through the characters of Naradji and Shri
Krishna, Gopis and Radha, Maan Bhatt and Amthiba and finally
Noor and Shahjaha and his daughter Aaz. These skits also portrayed
staunch Bhakti or devotion, and unconditional Samarpan or
surrenderance to Bhagwan. Param Pujya Pramukh Swami's video
blessings on Pativratani Bhakti further stressed the need
of staunch devotion for personal spiritual elevation and salvation.
The celebrations ended with Shri Krishna Janmotsav as all
participated in swinging the beautifully decorated cradle
of Shri Krishna with the singing of "Nand Gher Anand Bhayo,
Jai Kanaiya Laal Ki" filling the entire atmosphere with divinity.
Photo
gallery
