The Hindu festival of Janmashtami, marking the birth of Shri Krishna Bhagwan, takes place during the holy month of Shravan – considered to be one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. The occasion was devoutly celebrated at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Sunday 17 August 2014.
The day began with a ceremonial offering of food to the deities in the Mandir, where visitors and devotees arrived throughout the day to pray and offer their respects, and to swing the murti of Shri Krishna in the ‘paranu’ (birth cradle).
The life and teachings of Shri Krishna Bhagwan were presented through an enlightening evening programme which began with the devotional singing of hymns in praise of his life.
Apurvamuni Swami, visiting from India, narrated various incidents from the life of Shri Krishna, elaborating upon key aspects of spirituality with their relevance in today’s day and age.
The finale of the evening – marking the divine birth of Shri Krishna – was celebrated with the arti followed by the joyous swinging of the paranu accompanied with vibrant devotional singing.