Dear Editor

GUYANESE-AMERICAN Hindus observed Krishna Janmashtami or the birth of Lord Krishan on Sunday and Monday, August 29 and 30. Hindus fasted and made offerings (with puja) on Sunday morning and evening to commemorate the occasion. Janamashtmi was observed on Monday, August 30 in the East; it is a public holiday is India. Puja was conducted at home and or at the Mandir Hindus of Guyanese in the USA. Some mandirs held service throughout the day and thru Sunday midnight as well as Monday morning. Oblations and offerings were made.

Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which generally falls in August. It is celebrated with great gaiety and splendor and with elaborate ceremonies including oblations, singing, offerings, and rocking of a hammock with a murthi of Lord Krishna. Mandirs held congregational worshipping and kirtan singing.

Lord Krishna lived approximately 5,225 years ago, appearing on earth to live among Hindus. His life is recorded in the Bhagavad Gita and his name is associated with the famous Mahabharata War that saw the Pandavas and Kauravas, two sets of families, engage in battle with each other.

As well-known Hindu leader Dr. Satish Prakash points out, “a deep study of the Gita will lead thinkers to understand that this historical Mahabharata War points to another kind of battle, a psychological one, between forces of virtue and those of vice”. Lord Krishna advised Arjuna to fight on the side of justice. Naturally, those supporting virtue won.

Worshippers congregated at various mandirs for puja with COVID-19 protocol observed.

Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram