JANAMASHTMI was observed by New York (NY)-based Hindus on August 21 and 22.  Guyanese thronged to the temples in large numbers. Many also performed “Jhandis” at home, paying obeisance to the birth of Lord Krishna.  The day was a holiday in India, taking on a festive atmosphere similar to that of Christmas in the West. Several NY-based Guyanese visited India for the occasion.  It is one of the most beautiful times to be in India taking on the spectacle with traffic jams everywhere as people surrendered themselves to the Lord. Decorations and colourful lights around temples and peoples’ homes welcomed the Lord.  In the NY metro area, temples were also decorated and were jampacked with worshippers who performed elaborate poojas and made offerings to the lord. Lord Krishna was not really born, but made his appearance on earth as a baby and  as a guide as to how people should live. Krishna appeared on earth with a lotus flower and a conch and in beautiful clothes with four arms carrying a mace and discus.  It was impossible for Krishna to come from a womb in that manner, but his mother Deokhi experienced all the symptoms of pregnancy.  Krishna’s father was Vasudev.  Krishna was born in a prison in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh,to where a majority of Indo-Guyanese have traced their roots. Because the ruling King, Kanch, planned to kill Krishna, the baby was taken to nearby Gokool where he was exchanged for a girl baby.  When Kanch attempted to kill the baby thinking it was Krishna, the baby was transformed into Mother Durga who told the evil Kanch that he was a fool and that Lord Krishna would destroy him.
Lord Krishna’s human appearance occurred over 5000 years ago. Lord Krishna is just one of the reincarnations of the supreme being known in Hinduism as Brahm.    In the Vedas, we are informed that God takes countless births.  Lord Krishna told Arjunu that “he (Krishna) has taken countless births and so have you (Arjune)”.  He also told Arjune that he knows all of his (Krishna’s) births but Arjune does not know his own. In Hinduism, Gods and Goddesses make their appearance in the world whenever there is decay in religion.  Gods and Goddesses take human forms to protect the good and destroy the evil.  Krishna established a code of conduct for our behaviour.  Whenever people feel weak and unable to perform their duties, to family or the community, they need to recall Krishna’s message because it remains timeless — do not yield to impotence and cast off any weakness.
Lord Krishna is one of the most revered Gods among Hindus.  And for the occasions, they frequently hold kathas on the Bhagavad Gita which is a description of Lord Krishna’s thoughts and actions. People worship Lord Krishna because he is known as the saviour and protector of those who seek and surrender unto  him.  Through worship, a devotee becomes conscious of his/her faults, limitations, hatred and anger.  By worshipping Lord Krishna, internal enemies are destroyed and are replaced by love, cheerfulness, compassion, and devotion.
All of the temples in the NY City area conducted midnight vigil on Aug 21 that culminated with Janamashtmi.