Janmashtami, the festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna, holds deep and personal significance for actress Jaya Bhattacharya. Known for her performance as Urmila in the popular show “Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya” airing on Sun Neo, Jaya recently opened up about her childhood memories of the festival, her love for the celebrations, and her plans for this year’s festivities.
Reminiscing about her childhood in Lucknow, Jaya Bhattacharya vividly described how Janmashtami was an event filled with joy and creativity. “In my days as a child, Janmashtami was much more than just a ritual. It was a community affair where everyone from the neighborhood would participate in the celebrations. We used to create jhankis (decorative displays) using colored sawdust to depict various scenes from Lord Krishna’s life, very much like what people do during the Ganpati festivals.”
One of Jaya’s most cherished memories of the festival involves the traditional sweet called “panjiri,” made from whole wheat flour, ghee, and assorted nuts. “Eating panjiri was done with such fun. We would grab handfuls and blow it out of our mouths while saying ‘phoo phaa’, creating a mess but enjoying every bit of it,” she said. The festivities would continue through the night, culminating in the ‘Jan Ka Utsav’ at midnight, followed by vibrant singing and dancing.
Reflecting on the changes in Janmashtami celebrations over the years, Jaya expressed a sense of loss over what she feels is a decline in the festival’s charm. “Today’s Janmashtami festivities seem to lack the same warmth and camaraderie. Everything feels so artificial and rushed now. Back then, each household or group of families would come together to create magnificent jhankis,” she observed nostalgically.
For this year’s Janmashtami, Jaya will be marking the occasion on the set of “Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya.” The actress revealed that preparations are already underway for a special episode celebrating the festival. “We are focusing on creating an authentic and heartfelt homage to Janmashtami.
. For me, my work is a form of prayer,” Jaya shared, underlining her dedication to her craft and spiritual practices.
Jaya also drew inspiration from the teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, explaining how they impact her life and work ethic. “I focus on performing my duties without worrying about the outcomes,” she quoted. This philosophy, she believes, helps her maintain a balanced and fulfilling approach to both her professional and personal life.
Moreover, Jaya emphasized her inherent inclination to help others, a trait she feels is deeply rooted in her family values. “Helping others comes naturally to me; it’s something I have inherited from my family. We’ve always believed in giving back to society and supporting those in need,” she added.
“Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,” the show Jaya is currently part of, is a touching family drama centered around Vaishnavi, an orphan who worships Chhathi Maiyya as her mother. The show highlights the triumph of good over evil and the power of faith. The cast includes Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit. The show airs on Sun Neo, Monday through Saturday at 7 PM.
As Jaya shares her story, she reflects once again on the essence of Janmashtami, “It’s about faith, love, and community. Even though the way we celebrate might have changed, the core values remain the same.” The actress’s words and actions are a testament to her commitment to keeping the spirit of Janmashtami alive, both through her personal celebrations and her professional endeavors.
This year, as the actress celebrates Janmashtami on the set, she hopes to bring a slice of her childhood joy to the small screen, sharing with viewers not just a story, but an emotion and a tradition that has been close to her heart for decades. Through “Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,” Jaya Bhattacharya aims to rekindle the magic of Janmashtami, reminding everyone of the festival’s true spirit.
