Friday, August 19, 2022

Krishna Jayanthi and Kids!

Krishna Jayanthi is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and wherever Indians live around the world to mark the anniversary of Lord Krishna's birth. Krishna is worshipped in the guise of a child on this day because it is his birthday, and thus young mothers easily associate the celebration with their child. The festival is held today. 

Every family with a child enthusiastically celebrates the occasion. Beyond a religious celebration, it has evolved into a children's festival, with families that have children under the age of five taking advantage of the opportunity to dress their children as Krishna (if a boy) or (for girls) his wife Ratha. 

Schools, like homes, celebrate the occasion by requesting kids to come to school dressed as Krishna or Ratha on this day or the day before or following the festival. I sense a compulsion forming during the festival; a compulsion from one's friends and family circle compel  (asking haven't you dressed your child) one not to miss the event, even if they aren't interested. 

Every child raised in a Hindu family seems to dress up as Krishna, and I, like my cousins, was no exception. I don't remember dressing as Krishna, but I have the photographs to prove it. Back then, we dressed as Krishna from a piece cut down of dad's Dothi and mom's jewels as ornaments. Today, however, they sell a ready-made Krishna costume for children. 

Though every festival and day has become commercial these days, Krishna Jayanthi also joined the eve; aside from the sales/buying of ready-made sweets and refreshments, which were previously homemade, the Dothi and other ornaments (as a set) have also added to relieve parents. I wasn't surprised to see a television commercial promoting the special Dothi intended for kids to tie on Krishna Jayanthi; my sister-in-law is concerned that she missed the ad because she purchased a set locally and early to dress my little nephew Kavin!  

Kavin as Krishna

My nephews, Kavin and Jeswanth, dressed up as Krishna. Jeswanth dressed as Krishna for the second time; he was 4 months old last year and cooperated well, but this year he refused to participate, and we could only put a Dothi and a flower band on him. Kavin's brows were decorated while he slept, and he had no idea how to remove the ornaments. Though they were ready to come out on their own, we managed to hold things on him sometimes and took photos. Below were the two in their respective costumes.

Jeswanth in his simple look with a peacock feather on his flower band and pearl-like chain.

A screenshot of Kavin from my facebook story.

Jeswanth in his costume from the side.

9 comments:

Shilpa said...

Hi its a cute post on krishnas of home .I made some savouries and dresses up my daughter with whatever I have .I don't go with spending much policy .Anyhow had a sweet little cele ration .Hope you had too :)

George said...

The boys are definitely cute in their costumes. Although I'm sure this is a very popular festival for parents of young children, it's a shame that it has become so commercialized. Of course the same thing happens here with our holidays.

Tom said...

...he is growing so fast. What a cutie.

carol l mckenna said...

Your nephews are so adorable and Krishna Festival is very special and Happy 75th Independence Day too ~ namaste,


Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

L. D. said...

They are cute kids. Good photos.

Pooja Mahimkar said...

Such adorable pictures! Super cute!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
The boys are adorable in their costumes. The children grow so quickly.
Happy Independence Day. Take care, enjoy your day and happy new week!

Nancy Chan said...

The little ones won't understand but love the attention showered on them. Every festival worldwide has been commercialized.

kestrel said...

They are all soooo adorable. Cuteness overload in this post. All of them have such huge lovely marble like eyes. I think it is important that culture is passed on to every generation and this festival is a great way to keep traditions alive. Besides, mothers love to dress their kids up.