With Sri Guruji’s grace and love, Janmashtami was celebrated joyfully at Houston from Sep 1st through 6th.
Sep 1
Nandotsavam at “Nandanandanam” the residence of Sri Venkat and Smt. Lakshmi. Sri Ramaswamyji spoke on Sri Krishna Jananam and Nandotsavam was celebrated with a purappadu of Sri Premika Varadan-Madhuri Sakhi and Nandotsavam with all devotees dancing around Krishna and rocking Him in a swing. About 80 people attended the celebration and enjoyed it immensely.
From the next day, Utsavam was celebrated at Houston Namadwaar. The Krishna Jananam display of the Mathura jail was set up inside Namadwaar and remained for all the days of the Utsav.
Sep 2 (Krishna Jananam) 7 pm to Midnight – Sri Krishna Jananam & Nandotsavam
Tirumanjanam for Sri Premika Varadan and Madhuri Sakhi was performed, and Krishna katha was told by children. Madhura Sriram told the story of Sri Krishna Jananam interspersed with slokas from Govinda Kathamrutham and songs. Then Kritika Dwarakanath told the story of Damodara Leela with songs and slokas from Bhagavatam. This was followed by Krishna Jananam parayanam , kirtans and Nandotsavam. All the Gopis and Gopas joyfully danced around baby Krishna in a swing and played with Him. Mahamantra kirtan was then performed until midnight and a special mangala harathi was performed at midnight. About 100 devotees participated in the celebration that night.
Sep 3rd to Sep 6th
Srimad Bhagavata Parayanam of 10th Canto in the mornings
Sep 3rd evening: Nikunjotsavam
Master Bharat Salvady offered sangeetha seva to the Divine Couple with a 1.5 hour concert. He was accompanied by Karun Salvady on mridangam and Sri Hari Vittal on the violin. About 150 devotees attended this program.
Sep 4 evening: Govinda Pattabhishekam
Anukaranam of Anna kootosavam, Govardhana parikrama, and Govardhana Uddharanam was performed with all the devotees and children, while kirtans were sung.
Sep 5th evening: Radha Kalyanam
Thodayamangalam, Guru kirtans and Ashtapadis were sung by children of Krishna’s Cottage bhajan group and the Divine Wedding of the Divine Couple was performed joyfully.
