Janmashtami Celebrations in a South Indian Home

Media Summary

Images capturing moments from the Janmashtami celebrations in a home in Chennai which honour the birth of Lord Krishna. Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 01/09/2010

in Arts & Entertainment, on the 2nd of September 2010

Previous Pause Next

The celebrations begin with the lighting of the traditional lamp. The idol for worship is Lord Krishna as a child, called “Bala Krishna”.

ID: 426725

More Info

In the background, it is hard work for the family. Here the matriarch of the family makes patterns with rice dough for a traditional savory called “Murukku”.

ID: 426717

More Info

The daughter-in-law makes balls of the rice dough for another savory called “Cheedai”.

ID: 426718

More Info

Now comes the drawing of “Kolam”. This a design drawn on the floor of the entrance to the house. The “kolam” signifies the bounties of life.

ID: 426723

More Info

The finished “kolam”.

ID: 426730

More Info

The tender feet of “Bala Krishna” are drawn just next to the “kolam”. This symbolically represents the entry of the lord into the home celebrating his birth.

ID: 426731

More Info

The matriarch decorates the “Bala Krishna” idol. The idol is placed within a wooden cradle, a family heirloom.

ID: 426726

More Info

More decorations.

ID: 426727

More Info

The little daughter sits beside the cradle, which looks beautiful with the floral decorations. Fruits offered to the lord are seen in the foreground. The background shows a peacock motif. Lord Krishna is known to wear a peacock feather on his crown.

ID: 426729

More Info

The matriarch offers flowers to the lord during the prayer.

ID: 426733

More Info

The little girl bows to the lord and seeks his blessings.

ID: 426739

More Info

It is now time for the little girl to enjoy all the sweets and savories.

ID: 426732

More Info

A mélange of cuisine!

ID: 426734

More Info

The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated in a unique manner in South India. Lord Krishna is worshipped as "Bala Krishna", the Lord in his chidhood avatar. He is invited to the house and the family makes sure that he has the best birthday! A "kolam" (design pattern) is drawn to honour him. His footsteps are drawn, making his entry a grand affair. He is given traditional sweets and savories to eat. The family then bids adieu to him ... till the next year.