The month of Shravan is a sacred period of fasting, penance, and devotion, especially dedicated to Lord Shiva. Within it, the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad holds special significance as the night Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kanaiya in Kansa’s prison, bringing divine joy to the universe. His birth was celebrated in Gokul at Nand and Yashoda’s home with chants of “Nand Gher Anand Bhayo…” In the same spirit, the festivities were marked on Saturday evening at the Dhamecha Lohana Centre in South Harrow, North London.
For over three decades, Lohana leaders Ketan and Diti Kotecha and their family have celebrated Shri Krishna Janmotsav with devotion and splendour. This year, Dhamecha Hall echoed with chants of “Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki,” as renowned Gujarati singers Maya Deepak and Shashi Rana from Ahmedabad filled the evening with soulful bhajans. The celebration began with a traditional farali dinner for over 800 devotees, followed by the arrival of the crowned baby Krishna in a decorated cradle, carried by the Kotecha family alongside relatives and community leaders. Amidst flower showers, devotional dancing, and joyous chants, the cradle ceremony concluded with the family showering sweets and dry fruits upon the gathering.
The grand Janmashtami celebration, hosted by Ketanbhai and Ditiben Kotecha with their family, was attended by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar’s Editor & Publisher CB Patel, Pradipbhai and Veenaben Dhamecha, and other prominent members of the Lohana community. After the aarti of Bal Kanaiya, Ketanbhai concluded with heartfelt thanks, especially to Maya Deepak for accepting the invitation at short notice, singer Shashi Rana, tabla artist Sunit Chandarana, and all the accompanying musicians who enriched the devotional evening.
