New Delhi: Like many other organisations, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan or DJJS celebrated Krishna Janmashtami at its Divyadham Ashram, located in New Delhi’s Kanjhawala, in the presence of Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Keeping alive a tradition that started in 1992, the event brought together spirituality, culture, and contemporary social messages, drawing around 30,000 to 40,000 devotees on site and countless others online through the live webcast on DJJS’s YouTube channel.
Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami, is a yearly Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. It is said that Lord Vishnu descends on the Earth to create balance between righteousness and unrighteousness. Hence, Krishna Janmashtami is the apt occasion to remind ourselves to walk on the path of righteousness and follow Krishna’s teachings.
Dignitaries present at Janmashtami celebration
Speaking on the occasion, CM Rekha Gupta stated, “Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan’s selfless service to the nation is truly commendable. Not only does it spread the message of spirituality, but it also works tirelessly for societal upliftment. From empowering youth through drug de-addiction programs to promoting women’s empowerment, DJJS’s initiatives are far-reaching. I always wanted to attend the DJJS Janmashtami celebrations, but it couldn’t happen. But today I am thrilled to be here as the Chief Minister, and I believe it’s divine providence that brought me here.”
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta speaks at Janmashtami celebration organised by DJJS.
DJJS spokesperson Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti shared, “DJJS Janmashtami is aimed at busting myths associated with Krishna Leelas. An important message highlighting the need to practically experience Krishna Tattv within one’s inner self, as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, is manifested through creatively designed dance and music performances, along with in-depth wisdom talks. Inspired by Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji’s vision, this celebration is organised to guide seekers towards the inner realisation of the divine, dispelling misconceptions.”
Social messages through Janmashtami celebrations
Cultural event at DJJS.
- The event featured mesmerising Krishna Leela Jhankis weaving together mythological narratives with social reform messages. Amidst the sound of conches and mantra chanting, CM Rekha Gupta performed cow worship and services.
- Many political leaders spread the message of green and clean Delhi and ecological renewal, and the Yamuna cleansing during the Janmashtami celebration.
- Krishna devotees performed matki fod leela to symbolise breaking the vessels of social evils.
- Encouraging the development of rural Delhi, participants performed pulling out water-filled matkis or pots from the well, showing rural traditions of India.
- Spreading the message of Viksit Delhi Sankalp, devotees took part in an interesting game titled Maze of Kartavya Path vs Gita’ KarmYog. This game depicted righteous action by taking an adventurous walk through the serpentine paths, showcasing life’s challenges via artefacts.
Devotees depict a scene of Kaliya Naag from epic Mahabharata.
Other key features
The festival began with a unifying message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning the world is one family, resonating through the chants of hundreds of Ved Pathis in yellow attire.
Many valuable scenes were depicted through ballets. Among them were the slaying of Kaliya Naag and the Yamuna cleanliness drive, the revolutionary spirit of Meerabai, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s devotion, the birth celebration of Lord Krishna and others.
Devotees perform significant scenes showing Lord Vishnu.
More than 250 selfless, spiritually-trained artistes from DJJS performed classical dances such as Odissi, Chhau, and Kathak, along with folk forms from Bengal and Rajasthan. The 100-plus feet-wide stage featured 8K 3D projections across a 3000 square feet LED display, creating a visually immersive experience.
Performers act as Lord Vishnu and other deities.
Renowned DJJS speakers, including Sadhvi Dr Nidhi Bharti, Sadhvi Shreya Bharti, and Sadhvi Parma Bharti, shared scientific and practical interpretations of Krishna’s wisdom, addressing modern challenges like youth empowerment, mental health, and ecological balance. Over 500 sanyasis and sadhvis from around the world assembled, which enhanced the spiritual vibrations of the festival.