Mathura: On Friday, on Janmashtami, Krishnanagari was completely seen colored in the colors of devotion. Under Shri Krishna Utsav-2026, a wonderful confluence of devotion, music and folk culture was seen in the day-long cultural programs at Panchjanya Auditorium located in Dampier Nagar. In the evening, the bhajan sandhya of famous bhajan singer Kanhaiya Mittal made the atmosphere devotional. Devotees and youth kept dancing to his popular bhajans for a long time. The entire auditorium echoed with cheers of ‘Radhe-Radhe’ and ‘Shyam Baba ki Jai’.
On the occasion of Janmashtami, the cultural programs started with the presentation ‘Krishna Nayan – Listen to what was never said’ by young storyteller Mohit Shevani. He presented unheard incidents related to Lord Shri Krishna in musical style with a soulful combination of story and music. His presentation kept the audience engaged and introduced them to the various forms of Krishna.
After this, a special cultural program ‘Krishna: Anant Rang, Anant Bhaav’ was presented by the Heartfulness Foundation. Famous singer Sniti Mishra gave voice to the various expressions of Krishna in her melodious voice. Anirban accompanied him on flute while singing bhajans, while Maitreyi Rai presented the bhajans. The entire atmosphere became dark with the sweet notes of the flute and devotional music.
Devotees kept dancing to the hymns for a long time
As the evening approached, when Kanhaiya Mittal’s bhajan evening started, the atmosphere of the auditorium completely changed. He presented popular bhajans devoted to Lord Krishna and Khatu Shyam. On the hymns like ‘Shyam Se Milne Ka Satsang’, ‘Mere Banke Bihari Lal’, ‘Kirtan Ki Hai Raat’ and ‘Haare Ke Sahaare Aaja’, the devotees clapped loudly and the youth were seen dancing in devotion.
A unique confluence of Krishna Bhakti and Shyam Bhakti was seen in the voice of Kanhaiya Mittal. The cheering of the devotees kept filling the atmosphere with energy during one bhajan after another. As the tempo of the music increased, the youth and devotees present in the auditorium were seen dancing in devotion.
Colors of Braj culture scattered even at the intersections
Apart from Panchjanya Auditorium, the joy of Shri Krishna Utsav was also seen at major intersections and intersections of Mathura city. Folk artists presented Krishna Leela, Rasleela, folk dance and other cultural programs on the well-equipped stages created by Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad.
These presentations remained a special attraction of the festival for the devotees heading towards the birthplace. Folk artists brought alive the rich folk tradition and Krishna culture of Braj through their presentations.
On Janmashtami, waves of devotion, music and culture kept resonating in Mathura from morning till late night. After the day long cultural events, Kanhaiya Mittal’s Bhajan Sandhya took the joy of Shri Krishna Utsav to its peak.