Janmashtami Celebrations at Great Lakes

A 17-year old, doe-eyed version of me was in the audience at one of Chetan Bhagat’s book reading event. One of my friends made a very good observation about the names of the protagonist of his books Hari, Shyam, Govind, Krish, Gopal and asked why he always names them after Lord Krishna? Chetan replied that Krishna is a symbol for love, playfulness, wisdom; and people of every age group love Krishna and can connect with him. The answer left me stunned because it was so true. Something I never realised.

I have always had a very deep devotion for Krishna. Like most girls, I suppose. Who wouldn’t love the naughty face with butter smeared all over His mouth; a peacock feather tied to His air; beautiful ornaments adorning His body and the mesmerising music He plays on His flute?

Being a TamBrahm (tamil brahmin), we celebrate Krishna Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami by making delicious sweets and savouries. We draw little footsteps starting from the door upto the temple of the house. We believe after Krishna is born at midnight, He will come to every house and eat the butter kept as an offering. 

And being raised in Bombay, I love the ‘dahi handi’ celebrations where groups of boys or girls form a pyramid and reach the matki filled with dahi. I was quite upset that I am going to miss all the fun as I am away from home this year. But when I read the email about matki phod competition, my joy knew no bounds. I knew I had to cheer my batch mates into participating in the competition. It was great to see all the groups practicing upto 2am and getting into the spirit. During the competition, all the participating groups managed to break the pot even though their classmates were trying to stop them by pouring so many buckets of water. The passion in the eyes of the person who reaches the top and holds the coconut is best when he uses his full force to break the clay pot with the coconut and the buttermilk runs down his face. At that moment, take a step back and imagine 5-10 year old boys forming a pyramid and Krishna getting on their backs to reach the butter His mother and other women of Gokul have tied high up from the ground. The image will surely bring a smile on your face.

A grown up Krishna would tease the Gopis, dance with them and play music on His flute for them. It was therefore, a real pleasure to watch teams perform on songs about Krishna and his playfulness. The choreography was so well thought and was in line with the theme of the festival. At midnight, everyone present shouted the words ‘Haathi Ghoda Palki.. Jai Kanhaiyya Laal Ki..’ And of course, it rained. Because it always rains at midnight of Janmashtami. Such is the miracle of the almighty.

I had such an awesome time on campus and didn’t miss home that much except for the sweets and savouries my mom makes. But then I see my name in the mail sent by the courier room. A huge package was awaiting me with all the food items my mom made and offered to Krishna at home. I will remember this Janmashtami for a long time.

Sweta Ramdas

PGDM 2014-16

Cholas