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.