This year, celebrate Janmashtami through theatre, dance, music and art
It might be just another festival when elders in the family want to take you to the temple, but that’s not all that you can do to celebrate Janmashtami this year. Here are several events, including plays, art exhibition and music recitals to make this day memorable.
It might be just another festival when elders in the family want to take you to the temple, but that’s not all that you can do to celebrate Janmashtami this year. Here are several events, including plays, art exhibition and music recitals to make this day memorable.
Shri Krishna Leela
This Hindi play directed by Rajeev Raj Gupta was conceived in 2002, and has been playing since. “This must be our 25th performance. The play will narrate the life of Krishna from his birth and present iconic moments such as putna vadh and kalia naag vadh on stage. Gupta says, “There will also be a representation of Maha Raas and the emotional phase when Krishna leaves Mathura.” In addition, the play will also explore the relationship between Krishna and Karna – which is not talked about much.
Where: Shri Adhyaya Katyayni Shakti Peeth Temple, Chhatarpur
When: August 25; 12pm
Song and dance
Those who love classical music can celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with a vocal recital by Sumitra Guha and Kathak recital by Saveri Misra. Through her devotional songs, Gupta will make her listeners fall in love with Krishna. Misra’s Kathak recital will add another dimension to the celebration of Janmashtami, through expressions that make viewers admire classical dance.
Where: India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road
When: August 25; 7pm
Musical devotion:
There is a treat in store for aficionados of bhajans and music. Artists Vidhi Sharma (vocal) and Gaurav Mazumdar (sitar) will perform on the occasion of Janmashtami. Sharma, in her mellifluous voice, will present Krishna Bhajans to celebrate the festival. Mazumdar, who is the senior disciple of Pt Ravi Shankar, will enchant the listeners with his stringed instrument.
Where: Triveni Kala Sangam, Mandi House
When: August 25; 6.30pm
Read: Don’t miss: The two sides of Krishna by Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra
Murlidhar
This exhibition of paintings by artist Namish Arora explores different facets of Krishna with a vivid selection of colours. In his works titled Power of Expressions, Enlightenment and Trishna, the artist captures the charming personality and captivating force of Krishna.
Where: Roop Chand Institute of Fine Art, F-104, Ashok Vihar - I
On Till: August 31; 11am to 7pm
Religious fervour
The celebrations in ISKCON temples – Delhi and Gurgaon, will begin early morning and continue even post midnight. The Delhi ISKCON will celebrate its golden jubilee this year. The aarti will commence at 4.30 am on August 25. The altar in both the temples will be decorated with colourful flowers. “The shringar darshan will begin at 8 in the morning and go on throughout the day. At 10pm there will be Lord Krishna’s maha-abhishek with panchamrit and fruit juices,” says Vrajendranandan Das, director, ISKCON New Delhi. Vidur Priya Das, president, ISKCON Gurgaon, says, “A skit on Lord Krishna will be staged alongside continuous kirtan at the Gurgaon temple. There will also be a jhula for Radha Krishna, and a 56-bhog offering and aarti at midnight.”
Where: ISKCON Delhi and Gurgaon, Sohna Road
When: August 25; 4.30am to 12midnight
Read: SC order hits dahi handi participation
Natkhat Krishna Leela
This Janmashtmi celebration will begin with a theatrical performance. There will be a recital of poetic verses and a dance performance as well. Ruchi Mitroo, from Mogly’s Gurukul, says, “We are celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna with a Krishna Leela. The entire Krishna Leela, like the makhan chori scene, among others will be depicted poetically. Also, fresh flowers will be showered on children, who are Bal Gopal for us.”
Where: CyberHub, Gurgaon
When: August 25; 6pm