August 16, 2006
USA & Canada
The
North American Mahila Mandal celebrated Janmashtami, the auspicious
occasion of the birthday of Bhagwan Krishna on August 16th
2006, at all mandirs across North America. The Janmashtami
festivities were celebrated through various devotional and
cultural presentations.
The
theme of the Samaiyo "Bhaktavatsal Hari Birud Tihaaro" demonstrated
that Bhagwan has unconditional love and affection for His
devotees and that He appears on this earth in person to protect
His devotees whenever they are in distress due to Adharma.
Thus, Bhagwan comes upon earth during various eras to eradicate
Adharma and re-establish Dharma.
The
celebrations commenced in each center with deep pragyatya,
stuti, dhoon, prarthana followed by devotional kirtans accompanied
by classical Indian instruments such as the sitar, tabla,
and harmonium.The audiences were then taken back in time where
Shukdevji explained that the shrushti has four eras namely,
Sat yug, Treta yug, Dwaapar yug and Kal yug. Each yug was
portrayed through various skits, dances and presentations.
The characters of Prahlaad, Ahalya, Draupadi, Jiva Sindhav
and Chaaran Bhakt were staged out demonstrating each yug.
These skits delivered the message that God is always protecting
his devotees. The young women and girls performed beautifully
choreographed dances adding rhythmic flare to the festivities.
In addition to this many centers also performed Krishnaleela,
Raas-garba, Kirtan Aardhana. Many dignitaries graced the celebration
including Senator Radogno in Chicago. The celebration ended
with video blessings of Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Photo
gallery
