The birth celebrations of Shri Krishna Bhagwan were devoutly observed at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London (popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’).
Shri Krishna Bhagwan – a popular deity for Hindus around the world – manifested on Earth on the Hindu calendrical day of Shravan Vad 8. The festival marking his birth this year fell on Thursday 7 September and was celebrated with a host of devotional festivities.
Devotees and visitors arrived at the Mandir throughout the day to offer their prayers and respects as well as gently swing the image of Shri Krishna Bhagwan that is ceremoniously placed on a birth cradle on this day. As per tradition, a grand offering of food (‘annakut’) was arranged before the shrines in the upper sanctum.
During the festive assembly marking the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Yogvivekdas Swami, head swami at Neasden Temple, addressed the congregation, speaking about the timeless teachings of Shri Krishna Bhagwan from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. He particularly drew upon the relationship between Arjuna and Shri Krishna Bhagwan and how the Gita’s wisdom can be applied to everyday living for greater purpose and spiritual fulfilment.
Children, youths and swamis marked the divine birth of Shri Krishna Bhagwan with the arti followed by the joyous swinging of the cradle accompanied with vibrant devotional singing to bring the festivities to a close.
