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BAPS CELEBRATES THE BIRTH OF LORD KRISHNA
August 16, 2009 As rain, at first a sprinkle, then a downpour, settled over the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn on Saturday, a dedicated group of children and young adults continued their performance on the outdoor stage set up in front of the Family Activity Center. For them, the show did go on as they enacted the life and glory of Lord Krishna through the musical “Krishna Leela,” while part of the crowd scattered to seek cover on the mandir grounds. “On this day, thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna was born with a promise that he would rid the world of evil and instill goodness within us,” said Hari C. Patel, 16, of Lawrenceville, who performed in the program. Yogin Patel, 15, of Cartersville, added, “Our performance was a way for us to show our devotion toward him. There was no way we would let the rain put a damper on our enthusiasm.”  Hundreds had gathered from around the Atlanta area during this auspicious weekend, which celebrated the birthday of Lord Krishna as well as India’s Independence Day. The “Krishna Leela” performance was one facet of the weekend, which ended with a full-fledged samaiyo on Sunday filled with devotional songs, cultural dances, and spiritual discourses.  Georgia Attorney General Thurbert E. Baker attended the festival
with his wife Catherine. Speaking to the attendees, he marveled
at the beauty of the Mandir complex.
“This is not just a place of worship, it is also a place where one can come to educate themselves,” Mr. Baker said. Lord Krishna was born 5000 years ago in the small town of Mathura in Northern India. Among his most important contributions to mankind is the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Hindu scripture wherein Lord Krishna reveals the path to self-realization to his staunchest disciple, Arjuna. “Celebrating Janmashtami gives us an opportunity to learn about the essence of the Bhagavad Gita”, explained Pujya Shantmurti Swami, a BAPS sadhu. “We can learn how to live a life full of devotion and ethics.” Along with the Janmashtami celebrations, followers also commemorated India’s Independence Day on August 15. The Mandir glowed in shades of green, white and orange symbolizing the Indian flag.  About BAPS The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots - their rich Hindu culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these activities of character-building. Under the guidance and leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions. About Pramukh Swami Maharaj His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj travels from village to village, continent to continent, emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service and spiritual progress. He embodies the essence of Hindu life. His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking simplicity have touched many world religious and national leaders. For more details visit http://atlanta.baps.org |