Indians in UK, Aus take part in Janmashtami celebrations

Bhubaneswar: Indians living abroad thronged temples for Janmashtami celebrations at Dublin, Canberra and City of Bath (UK) to relive their memories, celebrate their culture and ground the next generation in their traditions. The temples and idol of infant Lord Krishna on a swing was decorated for the occasion.
“Most Indians in Ireland are first generation in a foreign country and have spent their childhood in India.We make sure to celebrate all festivals so that our children and grandchildren know about their roots,” said Dr Hemant Kumar, president of Vedic Hindu Cultural centre of Ireland (VHCCI) in Dublin.

The celebrations that took place at the VHCCI Sarv Sampradaya Hindu temple in Dublin were attended by 2,500 people on Aug 26.
Festivities began in the evening and went on past midnight. It included storytelling on the lives of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama by volunteers of the temple. Accompanying the sessions were two jhankis on the life of Lord Krishna built by an Indian couple. They took two weeks to complete them.
“We decided upon the jhankis to give a better idea about our culture to our children who do not know anything about it. We had also kept books on Lord Krishna that children can borrow and read,” said Sambit Mishra, director of VHCCI.
The temple’s dedicated bhajan mandali presented bhajans and kirtans. There were chanting sessions too that were open to all. Even a session was devoted to a preacher invited from Brundavan.
“Krishna Janmashtami is not only a religious festival but also a celebration of unity and inclusivity. People from all walks of life, irrespective of their faith or nationality, are invited to join in the festivities and witness the grandeur of this auspicious occasion. It provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the vibrant Indian community in Dublin,” said Dr Kumar.
At Shree Jagannath Temple, City of Bath in UK, the breaking of dahi handi and children dressed up as Lord Krishna and Radha were the main attractions.
Girls were involved in breaking the 'dahi handi', experiencing the way the festival is celebrated in India. Janmashtami was also celebrated at the Hindu Temple and Culture Centre (HTCC), Canberra. “Despite Monday (Aug 26) being a working day, it was great to witness the devotion of people and their numbers growing every year,” said HTCC vice-president Tarun Agasti.