Janmashtami: From Kritika Singh Yadav to Anchal Sahu, COLORS’ actors celebrate the glory of Lord Krishna

Janmashtami, a joyous Hindu festival, celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This auspicious occasion is marked by vibrant festivities, devotional songs, and the enactment of Krishna's childhood stories, especially his mischievous exploits. Devotees fast, visit temples, and decorate their homes with flower garlands and idols of Lord Krishna. The highlight of Janmashtami is the 'Dahi Handi' tradition, where young people form human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd, symbolizing Krishna's love for butter. It's a time of devotion, spirituality, and spreading goodwill, bringing communities together to rejoice in the divine presence of Lord Krishna.

Kritika Singh Yadav essaying the role of Pratiksha in COLORS’ ‘Pyaar Ke Saath Vachan Dharampatnii’ says, “Today, as we celebrate Lord Krishna's birth, I think about the lessons he has taught us about righteousness and compassion. As a kid, I used to participate in the school skit and dress up as Radha. My family has taught me the value of love, humility, and selflessness that he personified. As a devoted Krishna bhakt, I find solace and inspiration in his teachings, guiding my path towards a life filled with love and virtue.”

Puneet Vasishtha portraying the role of Narad in COLORS’ ‘Shiv Shakti - Tap Tyag Tandav’ says, “Janmashtami is one of my favourite festivals and it takes me back to how I learnt about the glory of Lord Krishna. I remember raising funds for dahi handi in my society. All my friends and I loved huddling together and forming a pyramid to break the matki. Every year, I visit the Iskon Temple next to my house at midnight to rock the cradle of Lord Krishna to celebrate his birth. May this Janmashtami bring us all closer in devotion and celebration, fostering unity and spreading the blessings of Lord Krishna throughout our lives.”

Raghav Thakur essaying the role of Krishna in COLORS’ ‘Suhaagan’ says, “Janmashtami holds a special place in my heart, as it takes me back to the cherished memories of my childhood. The excitement of dressing up as little Krishna, the vibrant 'matki phod' competitions, and the melodious bhajans filling the air. Janmashtami, for me, is not just a festival; it's a beautiful reminder of the innocence, joy, and togetherness of those early celebrations with family and friends. Ironically, my character bears the name Krishna in Suhaagan, and my entry in the show was on the song ‘Woh Kisna Hai’, a memory I will treasure for a lifetime.”

Anchal Sahu essaying the role of Parineet in COLORS’ ‘Parineetii’ says, “My favorite memory from this festival is the energy that fills the air as we immerse ourselves in the divine aura of Lord Krishna. During my childhood, my mom would often take me to watch the dahi handi celebrations in our neighbourhood. I absolutely loved it and felt a rush of excitement watching all the fanfare. On the sets of Parineetii too, we’ll revel in the festive spirit of Janmashtami by observing traditional rituals and gorging on delectable treats like panjiri, kheer, and maakhan mishri. The temptation to enjoy these delightful treats is something I simply can't resist.’’

What memories of the festival do you have?