The birth of Bhagwan Shri Krishna was celebrated with great devotion at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, on Friday 14 August 2009. The day, traditionally known as Janmashtami, began with a grand Annakut offered to the murtis in the Mandir, where guests and devotees arrived throughout the day for darshan.

The evening assembly was held in the presence of sagduru Pujya Doctor Swami, who is currently doing vicharan in the UK and other parts of Europe sharing his wisdom through his inspiring discourses.

Kishores and yuvaks began the evening with dhun and bhajans extolling the glory of Shri Krishna. Yogvivek Swami, head sadhu of the Mandir, continued by narrating insightful episodes from the life of Shri Krishna and explaining their significance in today’s age. Doctor Swami then addressed the assembly focusing on the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. A delightful dance to ‘Govind Aalaa Re’ followed thereafter, artistically retelling the childhood pastimes of Shri Krishna.

The finale of the evening – marking the birth of Shri Krishna – was celebrated with the arti followed by the swinging of the ‘paranu’ (birth-cradle) by all the devotees, with the traditional devotional singing of ‘Sona-na bol jhule Nand-kishore’.