Krishna Janmashtami. Jayanthi. Birth. Celebrated worldwide. The darling baby, adolescent, adult of mischief, romance, love, beauty.
Was unwell the day before with a fever and recurring throat infection. But who can say no to the pleasures of Krishna Janmashtami?
With endless Himalayan salt gargles, hot samahans, paracetamol popping, our Krishna Janmashtami at home was doable.
Krithis, bhajans, abhangs, music resounded through the home, while the family set up the altar, got the fruits, milk shopping done, and I bustled about in my haven. Made a few dishes for dinner for orchestra participants who were going to be in my home from 2pm until 9pm or after?
Got Baby Krishna’s footprints done. Played over the story I was going to tell the younger ones. ‘That Krishna had toddled to the front door, jumped up Ganesha’s table at the entrance, said Hello to Ganesha and the Thai musicians, then had headed straight to the kitchen. He’d climbed up onto the stove, got disappointed finding nothing He liked, then visited the Altar room’.
Rested a bit while Anusha handled the violin and flute rehearsal.
Changed into a double toned purple and blue cotton silk with royal blue and gold borders and pallu embellished with Swans. Gifted by Geetha Arun, a dear friend.
Made Milo for the youngsters rehearsing. Filled dispenser with freshly brewed sweet milk tea. Anupama helped set up table for dinner. Moms brought dishes too.
Then off for rehearsals 4 to 6, brief puja, aarthi, then dinner till 7.45; rehearsals again until 9pm.
Children watched Netflix while waiting for parents to fetch them, as I packed some takeaway boxes, one daughter and I cleaned house, loaded dishwasher etc. The other worked with some orchestra participants on their individual parts.
All left before midnight.
What a day!
As I folded my Saree, and left it to air, I gave thanks for a Krishna Janmashtami of blissful organized chaos?!🙊🤣
More salt gargles, manuka honey/lemon drinks and panadol popping.
Bavani’s Happy Place 