With the grace of
HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS NZ Inc. celebrated Krishna
Janmashtami on Wednesday, 20th August 2003 at Shri Swaminarayan
Mandir, Avondale.
Around 9:30 pm the temple auditorium
was filled with some 700 eager devotees. The program began
with the recitation of dhun, prayer and bhajans. This was
followed by a discourse on the "Importance of Janmashtami
in our Life" by the priest of the temple.
The drama " Paksha"
was performed on a highly decorated stage with good lighting
and excellent costumes by the youth and adult of BAPS (NZ)
Inc., who had put in considerable time and effort. The drama
describing the decisive moment of Mahabharat, in which Lord
Krishna approaches the Kauravas with the message of Peace,
Truth and Dharma on behalf of Pandavas was very effectively
enacted and received by the audience.
The much awaited moment, the
birth of Lord Krishna began with the aarti followed by bhajans.
Lord Shri Harikrishna Maharaj adorned the decorated cradle.
Thereafter each devotee had the
opportunity to rock the cradle of the Lord and departed with
eternal joy of having experienced the divinity of the celebration.
