Janmashtami and Nanda Utsav Celebrated by Yadav Sangha in Brahmagiri
Brahmagiri | 28.08.2024
Saswat TV
Lord Shri Krishna, also known as Gopaballabh Gop Chudamani Shri Gopal Mahaprabhu, is the revered deity of the Gopal community. He is considered the supreme thinker and universal leader — the embodiment of emotion, devotion, faith, and love. The sacred occasion of Janmashtami marks the divine birth of Lord Krishna.
In celebration of this auspicious day, the Yadav Sangha of Natiya village under Bhuvanpur Gram Panchayat in the historic region of Brahmagiri block, Puri district, organized a grand Janmashtami and Nanda Utsav.
On Janmashtami day, villagers performed the Prana Pratistha (life-infusing ritual) and devotional worship of Lord Krishna. On the following day, the deity was placed on a palanquin and taken in a procession throughout the village. Young children participated in the event dressed as characters like Krishna, Balaram, Sudama, Subala, Nanda, Yashoda, and even bears, adding charm to the celebration.
Amidst the rhythmic beats of traditional Laudi Khela (folk play), Gopals danced joyfully, expressing their devotion and spiritual fervor. This festival, which aims to spread the message of peace, brotherhood, and unity, has been celebrated for the past four years, according to village elders Arjuna Padhiari, Ravi Narayan Behera, Hari Padhiari, Abu Padhiari, and Purna Padhiari.
Janmashtami is a hallmark of Gopal culture. Noted social worker and advocate Digambar Behera emphasized that with government support, this cultural tradition can be preserved and strengthened, and the folk art of Laudi Khela can be revived and sustained for future generations.
