Mumbai: Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini extended warm greetings to people on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami on Friday, sharing a clip from her dance ballet Radha Raas Bihari to mark the auspicious festival.
Hema Malini shared the special video on social media along with a message wishing peace, happiness and prosperity to everyone celebrating the festival. Her post also carried a devotional note invoking Radha and Lord Krishna.
Hema Malini shares festive wishes
Sharing a glimpse of her dance presentation, Hema Malini wrote that she was sharing a clip from Radha Raas Bihari on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami.
The actor-turned-politician also extended her wishes to people and prayed that the festival would bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all. She concluded her message with “Radhe Radhe” and “Jai Shri Krishna”.
The dance ballet holds a special place in Hema Malini’s artistic journey, with the veteran performer being known for combining classical dance with stories and themes rooted in Indian mythology and culture.
By sharing a clip from the production on Janmashtami, she brought together the devotional significance of the festival and her long-standing association with Indian classical dance.
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PM Modi extends Janmashtami greetings
Earlier on Friday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his greetings to people on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister highlighted the teachings associated with Lord Krishna, particularly the message of selfless action. He said the divine teachings of Krishna have continued to inspire humanity.
PM Modi also expressed his wish that the sacred occasion would bring positive energy and strength into people’s lives. He concluded his message with an invocation to Lord Krishna.
The Prime Minister’s message came as devotees across the country prepared to observe the festival with prayers, devotional programmes and temple rituals.
Devotees gather for Mangla Aarti
Janmashtami celebrations were being observed across the country with religious fervour, with devotees visiting temples to participate in Mangla Aarti and special prayers marking the birth of Lord Krishna.
In Delhi, large numbers of devotees gathered at ISKCON temples in East of Kailash and Dwarka Sector 13 for Mangla Aarti conducted as part of the Janmashtami celebrations.
The festival draws devotees to temples from the early hours, with special prayers, devotional singing and rituals forming an important part of the celebrations.
Prominent temples in several cities have also witnessed large gatherings as devotees come together to mark the occasion.
Significance of Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, regarded in Hindu tradition as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The festival is observed on the eighth day, or Ashtami, of the Krishna Paksha, the dark fortnight of the Hindu luni-solar calendar month of Bhadrapada. The date generally falls during August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
Devotees observe the occasion through prayers, fasting, temple visits and special rituals. Midnight celebrations are particularly significant as Lord Krishna’s birth is traditionally believed to have taken place at midnight.
Hema Malini’s artistic connection to Krishna
Hema Malini has frequently used classical dance to present stories from Indian mythology and devotional traditions. Her dance productions have featured themes surrounding Hindu deities and characters from India’s cultural heritage.
The Radha Raas Bihari clip shared for Janmashtami reflects this connection, placing the celebration of Krishna’s birth alongside the artistic traditions associated with Radha and Krishna.
Her social media post also added a cultural dimension to the festival celebrations, as devotees and followers marked Janmashtami through different forms of prayer, art and devotion.
With temples witnessing large gatherings and public figures extending festive greetings, Janmashtami continued to be observed across the country with religious and cultural fervour.