Janmashtami was observed at ISKCON Dwarka on Friday with a series of devotional programs and cultural performances. The events were dedicated to honoring Lord Krishna and celebrating his divine life, showcasing the rich traditions associated with this significant festival.
Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is observed with prayers, devotional songs, temple rituals, fasting and cultural programmes. At ISKCON Dwarka, the celebrations brought together devotion and Indian classical arts, with dance and music forming an important part of the evening programme. Cultural performances have long been part of religious celebrations, providing artists with a way to narrate stories and traditions through music and dance. At the ISKCON Dwarka programme, ‘Divya Krishna’ added a classical dance presentation to the Janmashtami celebrations, using Kathak to explore different facets of Krishna’s life. Dr Singh has been practising Kathak for several decades and has devoted her art to Lord Krishna. She has received a Senior Fellowship in Kathak and a Tagore Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She is also an ICCR-empanelled artist under the Ministry of External Affairs and a high-grade artist empanelled with the Ministry of Culture/Doordarshan. She added that the group felt honoured to be part of the celebration.
Speaking about the performance, Dr Yasmin Singh said the group was thankful for the opportunity to perform on the auspicious occasion. She said the presentation depicted “several colours from the life of Lord Krishna” and was entirely devoted to him.
