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Janmashtami Rajkot ishtyle: Hit hai bhai

Janmashtami, the festival associated with Rajkot or Saurashtra is celebrated in a different way by everyone. From a child to an adult, from a rich to a poor all have different experiences and ideas to share. The same goes true with celebrations in different parts of the country. In Bangalore it is something like a small child is dressed as Krishna. He dips his foot in milk so as to get milk footprints. Then he walks from the entrance of his house to where the temple is in the house leaving a trail of milk footprints. That indicates the entrance of Lord Krishna in the house.

Printed on 10th Sep 2010

Janmashtami unlike other cities is a week long celebration in the city of Rajkot. The city is beautifully decorated with lights and one can see children dressed as Lord Krishna performing in their school celebrations. The temples are crowded with people offering their prayers. There are people on roads, in gardens, in theatre. It seems as if they have kept their work on hold to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. All schools, colleges, offices, shop remain close on aatham and naum. We have rathyatra on aatham in the morning, shopping by evening and people flock to the melas at night.

Ahmedabadi would hardly come to know that its Janmashtami, because it is mostly a festival of Saurashtra. Its only on aatham that they have a holiday and have a bit of feel of the festival.  But a Mumbaite has a totally different experience to share- there the main attraction of this festival is the matki fodna (breaking of the earthen pot). Everywhere young boys are visible trying to reach the pot tied high above. It is a festival full of enthusiasm and fun.

                                                                                                                   - Yesha Bhatt

                                                                                                               St. Xavier’s College