Throughout North America, devotees gathered at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs to celebrate Janmashtami, the Hindu festival commemorating the birth of Bhagwan Krishna. The joyous festival signifying the presence of dharma was celebrated by the greater community through festivities including devotional bhajans, skits, and inspiring speeches – all glorifying the life of Bhagwan Krishna.
The theme for this year’s program was “Yato Dharmas-tato Jayaha” which means, where there is Dharma, there is victory. One of the key messages of the program was that Bhagwan always supports those who are good and maintain dharma in their lives. Examples from the Mahabharat highlighted such stories as the remarkable relationship of Bhakta and Bhagwan illustrated by the relationship of Arjun and Bhagwan Krishna. Blessings from His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj concluded the program imparting a deeper understanding behind the celebration of Janmashtami and the need to live by Dharma to become closer to God.