2023.09.08 (Vrindavan Today News): The birth of Shri Krishna is celebrated in various temples and shrines across Braj – Vrindavan. Devotees and pilgrims from different parts of the country came to participate in Nandotsava celebrations. The joyous atmosphere is filled with dancing, singing, and the distribution of sweets, toys, and clothing.
Nandotsav in Nanda Bhavan witnessed a grand celebration with the participation of both Nandgaon and Barsana communities. They engaged in group singing and perform various acts depicting episodes from Shri Krishna’s life. These acts included the famous “Dahi Handi,” “Mall Yudh,” “Bans Badhai,” “Bhanda Leela,” and “Shankar Leela.”
The social and cultural significance of these performances reflected the unity and shared devotion of the two communities. The celebrations also included the exchange of sweets and gifts.
On Friday afternoon, around noon, Nandgaon witnessed a grand gathering of poets and musicians, including renowned music maestros like Shri Radharaman Goswami and Shri Dinesh Goswami. They mesmerized the audience with their soulful renditions. The musical performances lasted for about three hours, taking place in the backdrop of Nanda Bhavan.
In the evening, residents of Barsana and Nandgaon dressed in their traditional attire, adorned with vibrant colours and jewellery, and gathered at Nand Bhavan. The two communities joined together for a collective celebration of Shri Krishna’s birth, showcasing their unity and devotion.
The night is marked by a special narration of Nanda Baba’s lineage at the Nanda Bhavan temple. The temple complex is beautifully decorated with flowers and other adornments, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Nand Bhavan in Nandgaon and Nandotsav celebrations exemplified the profound love and devotion that people have for Shri Krishna, making it a truly enchanting and spiritually enriching experience for all participants.
The Brajwasis celebrated Nandotsava with much enduring love and devotion for the new born child Krishna. The mood of the celebration was so deep spiritually that it served as a testament of devotion that the Brajwasis hold for Shri Krishna, making it truly special.
Nandgaon, once the kingdom of Nand Baba, celebrated the birth of Shri Krishna one day after Janmashtami, on a Friday. During this time, the town came alive with the melodious sounds of bells from the Nandabhavan temple. Devotees, especially those from Barsana, came to Nandgaon to offer their greetings to Nanda Baba and Yashoda Maiya.
The celebration of Krishna’s birth in Nandgaon is observed in accordance with a unique tradition. It is believed that Nand Baba used to celebrate Krishna’s birth eight days after Raksha Bandhan. Even today, in keeping with this tradition, Nandgaon celebrates Krishna’s birth on the eighth day after Raksha Bandhan.
The deity of Shri Krishna was bathed with a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar, known as Panchamrit, at midnight. This ritual is a moment of great significance, and devotees from far and wide came to witness it.
Krishna’s birth was celebrated with grandeur, and the darshan (sight) of the deities attracted thousands of devotees from all over the country and beyond.
It is important to note that Nanda Bhavan temple does not provide darshan (sight) of the deities during the Nandotsava celebration. The deity is adorned with a cloth on its head in the manner of a bridegroom, signifying the birth of Shri Krishna. The abhishek (ritual bathing) of the deity is conducted in the inner sanctum, away from the view of the devotees. Only the temple priests have the privilege of witnessing this sacred ceremony.
