The halls of over 60 BAPS Mandirs around North America were buzzing with excitement this weekend as thousands of followers gathered on Sunday, August 24, 2008 to celebrate the birth of Bhagwan Shri Krishna, one of the most venerated incarnations in Hindu Dharma. Five thousand years ago, he incarnated, at the end of the third cosmic phase, 'Dwapar Yuga' and the beginning of the present, 'Kali Yuga'.  As per the rituals, devotees observe nirjala (waterless fast) and spend the whole day immersed in Shri Krishna's glory by reading, reciting and singing his divine leela. In the evening devotees gather for the celebration. At mid-night, the time of incarnation, arti of His child form is performed. Then traditional prasad of Panchajiri is given by the sadhus.

This year the celebrations focused on how Bhagwan Shri Krishna’s wisdom can guide us through the trials of life. Pujya sadhus explained why he incarnated on earth? What does he say? And what should we do? These questions were answered based on Bhagwan Shri Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita.

“Janmashtami is celebrated every year, but the true celebration is when God resides in our heart and we experience peace”, explained Pujya Anirdesh Swami, a BAPS sadhu in  BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston, TX.

Accompanied by the rhythm of the tabla and the melodies of the harmonium, youths sang devotional songs extolling Bhagwan Krishna’s glory in the traditional Indian languages of Gujarati and Hindi.  

Devotees relished the festive atmosphere as BAPS youths performed Krishna Leela, a musical narration of Bhagwan Krishna’s life, beginning with his birth 5000 years ago in the small town of Mathura in Northern India.

The event also highlighted the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Hindu scripture that serves as one of Bhagwan Krishna’s most valuable contributions to mankind. In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwan Krishna reveals the path to self-realization to his staunchest disciple, Arjuna.

In addition to being one of the most important holy days of the year, the Janmashtami celebration was also a testament to the effort that BAPS makes in promoting the cultural and spiritual development of its youths.  "This is one of the greatest celebrations for the Hindu community, one that is observed throughout India and abroad," explained Akhil Patel. “We actively ensure that BAPS youth are very much a part of this celebration and have the opportunity to showcase their cultural and spiritual heritage,” he concluded.

At the end of the program, the arti was performed followed by the kirtan, "Nand gher anand bhayo, Jai Kanaiyalal ki .. Hathi, ghoda, palkhi, jai Kanaiyalal ki …"  as the child form of Bhagwan Shri Krishna  was cradled in a beautifully decorated swing filling the entire atmosphere with divinity.
 
About BAPS

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony.  Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots - their rich Hindu culture.  Its 9,000 international centers, including more than 5,000 youth centers, support these activities of character-building. Under the guidance and leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.

About Pramukh Swami Maharaj

His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure life.  As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj travels from village to village, continent to continent, emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service and spiritual progress. He embodies the essence of Hindu life.  His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking simplicity have touched many world religious and national leaders.

For more details visit www.baps.org

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