Born on the 8th day of the dark half of the lunar month Shravan, Bhagwan Shri Krishna lived a life filled with profound meaning. His birth, life and leela teach us that although evil often prowls the earth, it is righteousness that ultimately prevails. A unique cultural program, “Govinda aalaa re”, passed on this message to the devotees gathered at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs throughout North America to celebrate Janmashtami. Accompanied by the rhythm of the tabla and the melodies of the harmonium, youths sang devotional songs in Gujarati and Hindi extolling Shri Krishna’s glory. Through various skits the children and youth provided visitors with a glimpse of Shri Krishna’s life. The event also highlighted the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Hindu scripture that serves as one of Bhagwan Krishna’s most valuable contributions to mankind. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna Bhagwan reveals the path of liberation to his staunchest disciple, Arjuna.
At the end of the program, the arti was performed followed by the kirtans, “Sona na mor jhule Nanda-kishore” and "Nand gher anand bhayo, Jai Kanaiya lal ki" as the infant form of Bhagwan Shri Krishna was cradled in a beautifully decorated swing, charging the atmosphere with devotion and divinity.