Janamashtami is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar (reincarnation) of Lord Vishnu.
Janamashtami celebrations include dance-drama enactments of Krishna’s life, ‘Ratri Jagaran’ (night prayer vigil) – devotional singing through the midnight when Krishna was born, ‘upavasa’ (fasting), and a ‘Mahotsav’ (festival) on the following day.
People also decorate cradles and place Lord Krishna's idol in it and where possible they decorate children as Lord Krishna.
The most popular images of Krishna are depicted as a playful joyous child enjoying butter churned at home and as an adult, playing flute.
Krishna gave the vital message of ‘Bhagwad Gita’ (literally translated as ‘The Song of the Lord’), which is a 700-verse Hindu scripture dated to the 2nd Century BCE and is a guiding principle for Hindus. It’s core message has 3 themes – ‘jnana’ (knowledge), ‘karma’ (action) and ‘bhakti’ (devotion).
Mr Prafful Dave, the priest at the Shree Sanatan Sewa Samaj Luton Hindu Mandir (Temple) in Lewsey Farm said, “Lord Krishna's message of Karmayoga is a call to focus on our responsibilities rather than caring for our rewards.”
Mr. Pravin Bhai Mistry, the Lewsey Hindu Temple office manager said, “We are delighted to be able to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth in large numbers, but we must not forget to spend time in reflecting on Lord Krishna’s message and teachings about the purpose and meaning of our life on this planet earth. Having faith must provide an outlook on how to live our life.”
Prof Zafar Khan, Chair of Luton Council of Faiths said, “On behalf of Luton’s faith communities, I am delighted to send our best wishes to everyone at Luton’s two Hindu Temples. We are grateful to the members of Luton Hindu communities for supporting the work of Grassroots & Luton Council of Faiths over the years.”
“I am delighted to see festivities on such a scale take place, reminding us of the great number of people from diverse backgrounds living in Luton and making Luton such a vibrant and a dynamic town.”
At the evening prayers in the Temple, the words echoed – “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” – These are Sanskrit words from a Hindu prayer meaning – May all the living beings be happy, prosperous and at peace!
Mr. Prafful Dave, the priest & Mr. Pravin Bhai Mistry, the Office Manager at the Shree Sanatan Sewa Samaj Luton Hindu Mandir (Temple) in Lewsey Farm leading Janamashtami (the birth of Lord Krishna) celebrations.