Memories of Janmashtmi

by Namita Soni

Krishna Janmashtami or commonly known as Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival in the name of Lord Krishna’s birth. In simple words, it’s a birthday celebration! It is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shravana. Krishna was born in an era of chaos, persecution was rampant, freedom was denied, evil was everywhere. Bhagavan coming in the form of Krishna, was a sign of a new hope. All around the world, people put up dance-drama enactments of the life of Shree Krishna and there is always devotional singing right until midnight – the time that Shree Krishna is born.

Our Ashram is no exception.

I have been attending Geeta classes since I was nine years old. The reason being? I wanted to act and dance! When I first went to the Ashram about ten years ago and I saw the skits and performances put up for Janmashtami, I wanted to be a part of it. I was not aware of the significance of this holy celebration at that time. All I wanted to do was to participate because to me it looked fun! So when my mother enrolled me, I was anxious to contribute to the next performance. Of course, over the years, I did learn the essence behind the festival we celebrate every year and now the excitement stems from more than just the thrill of the performance. It’s the very idea as to why I am doing it and with whom. To be able to contribute and partake in such a beautiful and holy celebration with very important people to me. Janmastami, for me, I believe, brings out the best in everyone.

Throwback to Janmashtmi 2012; I’m the one in the orange lengha right at the corner!

We work together as a team, pouring in our efforts to put up a show worth remembering, year after year. I’ve known the children – now adults – at the Ashram as family, some of them being with me for close to a decade or even more. It’s such a joy to share one of the greatest nights of my life every year with my friends and family. We’ve all watched one another grow to become the people we are today, moulded and shaped by the lessons we learn in our classes taught by dedicated teachers which are eventually used in our teenage skits. This is a wonderful way of imbibing the Geeta verses we learn in our classes! Janmashtami is the one night none of us ever forgets and this year will be another achievement to add to our growing list. 

With Janmashtami two days away, I wish everyone a happy one and do hope to see many faces there at our Geeta Ashram!

More on our Janmashtmi programme here.