Janmashtami, the auspicious festival commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna, holds profound significance for actress Jaya Bhattacharya, renowned for her role as Urmila in the popular TV show ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya’. As the festival draws near, Jaya opens up about her cherished memories, her enduring love for the celebrations, and the special plans she has for this year.
Reflecting on her childhood in Lucknow, Jaya fondly recalls the joy and creativity that characterized Janmashtami. “We used to create jhankis (decorative displays) using colored sawdust to craft intricate scenes, much like what people do during Ganpati festivals,” she reminisced. She vividly remembers the traditional sweet panjiri, a delicacy made from whole wheat flour and nuts. “We would eat it with such enthusiasm, grabbing big handfuls and blowing it out of our mouths while saying ‘phoo phaa’, creating a playful mess and thoroughly enjoying ourselves.” The celebrations continued all night, culminating in the Jan Ka Utsav at midnight, followed by singing and dancing.
Contrasting the past with the present, Jaya feels that today’s Janmashtami festivities have lost some of their authentic charm. “Things feel so artificial and rushed now. Back then, every household or group of families would come together to make jhankis,” she reflected.
For this year’s Janmashtami, Jaya will be celebrating on the set of ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya’. “We are already preparing for a special episode,” she shared, explaining that her work is a form of prayer for her.
Quoting Lord Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita, Jaya elaborates, “I focus on performing my duties without worrying about the outcomes.” She also emphasized her natural inclination to help others, a trait she believes is inherited from her family.
The TV show ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya’ is a heartfelt family drama centered around Vaishnavi, an orphan who worships Chhathi Maiyya as her mother. The narrative underscores themes such as the triumph of good over evil and the power of faith. The ensemble cast includes Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit. It airs on Sun Neo, Monday through Saturday at 7 PM.
Reminiscing yet again on her childhood, Jaya recalled how integral creativity was to the Janmashtami celebrations. “The preparations would start days in advance – making jhankis, gathering friends, and organizing small skits and songs that portrayed the life of Lord Krishna. The entire neighborhood would come alive with excitement and anticipation.
.” She added that the festival was not just a family event but a community celebration that brought everyone together.
“The camaraderie, the shared joy, and the joint effort in preparations are what I miss the most,” Jaya said wistfully. “Everything had a personal touch, right from the decorations to the food. Nowadays, the essence has somehow diluted with commercially produced decorations and readymade sweets.”
Despite her longing for the past, Jaya remains optimistic about the modern ways of celebration, recognizing that change is inevitable. “While it may lack the warmth of earlier times, it’s heartening to see how people, especially the younger generation, are still enthusiastic about celebrating Janmashtami,” she said.
On the professional front, Jaya is deeply committed to her role in ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya’. “We aim to bring out the emotional and spiritual essence of our culture through this show,” she asserted. “It’s remarkable how a fictional narrative can inspire real-life values.” She hopes that the special Janmashtami episode will resonate with viewers and bring them closer to their traditions.
When asked about her future plans, Jaya revealed that she continually seeks roles and projects that have a meaningful impact. “Acting is not just a profession for me; it’s a platform to convey powerful stories and messages,” she said. “I want to be part of narratives that inspire, educate, and uplift.”
Outside of her acting career, Jaya is also involved in various charitable activities. “Helping others gives me immense satisfaction. It’s something that’s been ingrained in me by my family,” she explained. Her philanthropic efforts further underline her belief in the principles of compassion and duty as advocated in the Bhagavad Gita.
In conclusion, Jaya Bhattacharya’s reflections on Janmashtami encapsulate a blend of nostalgia and adaptability. While she cherishes the intimate, handmade nature of past celebrations, she also embraces the contemporary ways of honoring traditions. As she prepares to celebrate Janmashtami on the set of her show, she continues to draw inspiration from Lord Krishna’s teachings, all the while keeping the spirit of unity and joy alive.
