I relish my childhood days and I think I had the best time of my life during my childhood. Those were the golden days. Coming to this Janmashtami my memories again goes long way many years back in the 80s…….
I used to live in the Chandralok Hydel colony. On Janmashtami day the whole day was spent in so many activities. There used to be a club in our colony. All the children were busy getting plants, toys for making a Jhanki of Lord Krishna. The Uncles of our colony were seen busy making Clouds, mountains, Jail, the river on our Club stage. It used to be a festival of enjoyment, fun and loads of activities. I also used to get so many plants from my house for decoration and gathered my old toys to decorate. There was no lunchtime for us…after finishing breakfast the whole bachcha party used to gather in the club. The TT table was folded and kept in the storeroom. The evening was lined up with so many activities. There were a fancy dress, some dance competitions, etc. I remember my sisters becoming Krishna or Radha and dancing to the tunes of melodious songs of Janmashtami.
The evening comes and the whole club is decorated with lights..it was like a major festival where everyone contributed towards it …some gave their time, some participated in programs, some were the part of decoration team and so on…….as there was no Internet, no mobile, no Facebook so this was the best entertainment we could have in those days.
Once the program was over, we formed a group and sang various songs on Krishna, and celebrated his birthday till the clock strikes 12. At 12 the speed of the songs went so fast…and there were huge groups of boys, uncles, aunties, and girls ( including myself ) who were clapping madly and singing bhajans. It was the most joyous moment for me and I hope for everyone too around.
Even the dark clouds enjoyed our celebration and with their unbound happiness they also used to participate with thunder and lightning…I enjoyed every moment of this celebration…and yesterday only I was talking to my son who is now 22 years old and was just telling him about what fun we used to have during Janmashtami in our childhood days.
With the internet age, these things seem to vanish…these memories are so fresh in my mind and still feel like singing and dancing to the tunes of Lord Krishna’s songs.
- Aparna Mishra
Founder Editor, Women Shine
