Every year, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the waning moon in the month of Bhadrapada, we celebrate the birth of Krishna - the Blue One, the maakhan-chor (he who steals butter), the beloved of Radha, the One who gave us the Divine Song- Shri Bhagvad Gita.

Krishna has many facets, the statesman, the warrior, the lover, the friend, the cowherd, but perhaps his most celebrated ’roop’ is that of Bal Gopal, the child.

This year too, we dressed up our little one as the playful, mischievous Krishna. Decked up the temple, prayed Together as a family, and made offerings of His favourite foods like Panjiri (a sweet made with whole wheat flour, ghee, coriander, and nuts), Makhan-Mishri (a blend of butter and sugar candy), and Panchamrit (a traditional mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar).

May we all be blessed with the strength, wisdom, and love that Krishna personifies, with a touch of mischief as well.