Mangalore: ISKCON Exults on Birthday of Lord Krishna

Pics: Sphoorty Ullal, Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Aug 14: The infant form of Lord Srikrishna has always been a favourite among the people of the twin-districts. Irrespective of caste and creed, people from towns, cities and villages can be seen dressing up their own little ones as Baby Srikrishna and taking them to various competitions. If the competitions also allow for the participation of Radha, Gopis or Yashoda, women of all the age groups enter the competition right away.

The next day of Janmashtami is reserved for 'Mosaru Kudike Utsav', which is known in Mumbai as 'Dahi Handi'. Decorated earthen pots filled with curd, milk products or cash are hung at a very high point, by erecting wooden towers, as seen in a picture taken in Tokkottu near the city. Sometimes, even fruits are hung by using threads. The youngsters are expected to climb on one another, create a pyramid-like formation and reach out to the pots or anything else hung at an unreasonable height. At some places, competitions are held and prizes are given. In some villages, the contestants are challenged to climb atop a smoothly rounded wooden pillar called 'Mallakambha' that is smeared with oil, making it slippery.

ISKCON(International Society for Krishna Consciousness) celebrates Janmashtami in its own way and over the years, the celebrations of ISKCON have come to become very popular in the city. Their stress on devotional frenzy, unique way of celebrations, differently styled chariot they pull along the roads and the fact that everyone is allowed to join in, irrespective of any affiliations, has drawn lot of people towards ISKCON. The ISKCON activists painstakingly render services to the Lord, follow detailed procedures in celebrating Srikrishna Janmashtami and not only the ISKCON activists but also the people in general, are allowed express their elation with gay abandon, by gyrating to the rhythmatic devotional songs.

ISKCON celebrated Srikrishna Janmashtami on Friday August 14, although for most others, it was on Thursday, with lot of devotional fervour, enthusiasm, pomp and show.