HAPPY JANMASHTAMI

India is a diverse country with many festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. One of these festivals is Janmashtami - the day Lord Krishna was born - and is observed with much pomp and fervour. It is also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami.

According to Hindu mythology, Krishna, the human incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born on this day to destroy Mathura's demon king, Kansa, the brother of Krishna's virtuous mother, Devaki.

This year Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on Monday, August 30. Devotees mark this auspicious occasion by observing a fast and praying to Lord Krishna. People adorn their homes with flowers, diyas and lights. Temples are also beautifully decorated and lit.

The temples of Mathura and Vrindavan witness the most extravagant and colourful celebrations, as Lord Krishna is believed to have been born and spent his growing years there. Devotees also perform Raslila to recreate incidents from Krishna's life and to commemorate his love for Radha. As Lord Krishna was born at midnight, an idol of an infant Krishna is bathed and placed in a cradle at that time.

LIS Pre primary celebrated it on Saturday 28th August on a virtual platform. The tiny tots donned themselves in the attire of Lord Krishna and Radha, frolicking around with flutes, peacock feathers and matkas. The day started with a prayer song followed by Aarti. Krishna’s birth was shown through a video. Everyone got chance to move the cradle (Jhula Jhulana) which is considered as one of the ritual. A colourful Garba performance by the teachers was added to the delight. The celebration concluded with the “Haandi Phod” performed by Krishna and Radha. The virtual celebration was indeed truly informative, enlightening and entertaining.