Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the sacred celebration of Shri Krishna Bhagwan’s divine birth, was devoutly observed on Thursday 7 September 2023, at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London.
Shri Krishna Bhagwan, a revered deity for millions of Hindus worldwide, incarnated on Earth on the Hindu calendrical day of Shravan Vad 8. This year, the festival commemorating his birth fell on 7 September, and was marked by a series of devotional festivities at the Mandir.
Devotees and visitors arrived at the Mandir throughout the day to offer their prayers and respects as well as to gently swing the image of Shri Krishna Bhagwan that is ceremoniously placed in a cradle on this day. As per tradition, a grand offering of food (‘annakut’) was arranged before the shrines in the upper sanctum.
During the evening assembly marking the auspicious occasion, youths and swamis came together to sing a medley of uplifting bhajans, artistically describing the divine life of Shri Krishna Bhagwan and conveying his spiritually elevating messages.
Swamis further explored the life of Shri Krishna Bhagwan and how his teachings, encapsulated in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, continue to provide wisdom for greater purpose and spiritual fulfilment today.
Children, youths and swamis marked the divine birth of Shri Krishna Bhagwan with the arti followed by the joyous swinging of the cradle accompanied with vibrant devotional singing.