Janmashtami, a festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna, is steeped in tradition and cultural significance, especially for actress Jaya Bhattacharya. Known for her role as Urmila in the hit TV show ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya’, Jaya opens up about her cherished memories of the festival, her perspectives on the changes in its celebration over the years, and her plans for this year’s festivities.
Growing up in the culturally rich city of Lucknow, Jaya holds vivid memories of the grand Janmashtami celebrations that shaped her childhood. “Janmashtami was a festival filled with joy and creativity for us,” Jaya reminisces. “We used to create elaborate jhankis (decorative displays) using colored sawdust to depict various scenes, much like people do during the Ganpati festivals.”
One of the standout memories for Jaya is the delightful tradition involving panjiri, a sweet dish made from whole wheat flour and nuts. “We would eat panjiri with such enthusiasm, grabbing big handfuls and playfully blowing it out of our mouths while saying ‘phoo phaa’. It was a messy, but incredibly fun tradition that we all looked forward to,” she shared with a smile.
These celebrations continued into the night, culminating with the Jan Ka Utsav at midnight, a ceremony marked by spirited singing and dancing. Jaya fondly recalls these all-night festivities as a time when the community came together in collective joy and fervor.
However, Jaya feels that the essence of Janmashtami has changed over the years. “Today’s celebrations feel somewhat artificial and hurried. In the past, every household or community would come together to create jhankis with great dedication and care,” she reflected. Jaya attributes this change to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern times, which leaves little room for the intricate and time-consuming preparations that once defined the festival.
Despite the changes, Jaya remains committed to celebrating Janmashtami with the same passion and devotion that marked her childhood.
. This year, she plans to celebrate the festival on the sets of ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya’. “We are already preparing for a special episode that will air around Janmashtami,” Jaya revealed. For her, this work becomes a form of homage to Lord Krishna, blending her professional and personal devotion seamlessly.
Drawing inspiration from a verse in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna’s sacred text, Jaya emphasized her commitment to her duties. “I focus on performing my responsibilities without worrying about the outcomes,” she explained. Jaya also shares a deep-seated inclination to help others, a trait she believes has been nurtured through her familial upbringing.
‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya’ is an emotionally engaging family drama that centers around the life of Vaishnavi, an orphan who considers Chhathi Maiyya as her divine mother. The series underscores the victory of good over evil and the profound strength of faith. The show features a stellar cast including Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Brinda Dahal, Ashish Dixit, and of course, Jaya Bhattacharya. The series airs on Sun Neo, Monday through Saturday at 7 PM.
As she prepares for another Janmashtami, Jaya’s reflections provide a poignant reminder of the festival’s enduring charm and the ways it has evolved over time. “Even if the methods of celebration have changed, the spirit of Janmashtami remains timeless,” she says.
In conclusion, Jaya Bhattacharya’s recount of past and present Janmashtami celebrations serves as a bridge connecting the rich traditions of yesteryears with today’s modern-day festivities. Her reflections show that while certain customs may fade or transform, the true essence of the festival—marked by joy, devotion, and community spirit—remains undiminished. As she embarks on another Janmashtami celebration, Jaya continues to honor both her personal memories and the cultural significance of this beloved festival.
