Udaipur: The spirit of Shri Krishna Janmashtami came alive at the World of Humanity, located at Mali Colony and run by Narayan Seva Sansthan, as devotees and visitors celebrated the festival with devotion and enthusiasm on Friday. Colourful Radha-Krishna tableaux, presentations depicting Krishna’s childhood, devotional songs and the traditional Matki Phod ceremony transformed the premises into a vibrant recreation of Gokul and Vrindavan.

Sansthan president Prashant Agrawal said the celebration was attended by founder Kailash ‘Manav’, co-founder Kamla Devi, director Vandana Agrawal, Palak Agrawal, Maharshi Agrawal, trustees, spiritual practitioners, volunteers and residents from the surrounding area.

Krishna’s Childhood Leelas Steal the Show

The evening programme featured tableaux depicting various episodes from Lord Krishna’s childhood and mythology. Presentations portraying Shrinathji, Narasimha Avatar, Radha-Krishna and the subduing of Kaliya Nag were among the major attractions.

The Kaliya Nag tableau particularly drew attention, with electronic effects recreating the movement of water waves and rainfall, giving the presentation a visually engaging and realistic feel.

Children from Narayan Children Academy dressed as Radha and Krishna and presented captivating performances. A special tableau of Laddu Gopal seated in a cradle was also presented, where devotees joyfully rocked the cradle as part of the Janmashtami celebrations.

Devotional Music Fills the Premises

The institution’s music team presented a series of devotional bhajans dedicated to Radha-Krishna, Barsana and Vrindavan. The soulful music prompted devotees to sing and sway along, creating an atmosphere filled with Krishna bhakti.

Matki Phod Becomes the Highlight

The traditional Matki Phod ceremony emerged as the highlight of the celebrations. Children formed human pyramids on nearly three occasions to reach and break the suspended earthen pot.

As the matki broke, the venue reverberated with enthusiastic chants and celebrations, followed by the distribution of butter as prasad. For a few memorable moments, the Mali Colony premises appeared to recreate the festive spirit of Gokul.

The programme was conducted by Mahim Jain.