The North American Mahila Mandal celebrated Janmashtami, the auspicious occasion of the birthday of Lord Krishna on Sraavan Vad Aatham all across North America. The festivities were carried out through various devotional and cultural presentations.
The main theme of the Samaiyo event was "Hari Na Range Rangai", and "Pativrataa Ni Bhakti." The celebrations began with deep pragatya, stuti, dhoon and prarthana followed by devotional kirtans accompanied with classical Indian instruments such as the sitar, tabla, and harmonium. The upbeat music and rhythmic tunes energized the devotees who clapped and sang along. The Balika, Kishori, Yuvati & Suvasini Mandals performed beautifully choreographed dances adding traditional flare to the festivities. Several drama skits unfolding the birth and life events of Shri Krishna were staged out through the characters of Naradji and Shri Krishna, Gopis and Radha, Maan Bhatt and Amthiba and finally Noor and Shahjaha and his daughter Aaz. These skits also portrayed staunch Bhakti or devotion, and unconditional Samarpan or surrenderance to Bhagwan. Param Pujya Pramukh Swami's video blessings on Pativratani Bhakti further stressed the need of staunch devotion for personal spiritual elevation and salvation. The celebrations ended with Shri Krishna Janmotsav as all participated in swinging the beautifully decorated cradle of Shri Krishna with the singing of "Nand Gher Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanaiya Laal Ki" filling the entire atmosphere with divinity.