National: Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) successfully concluded its 29th Krishna Janmashtami Mahotsav at DDA Ground, Sector 10, Dwarka on 26 August 2024 under the guidance of Divya Guru Ashutosh Maharaj. The program was a wonderful amalgamation of technology and culture. It proved effective in conveying the scientific and practical aspects of Shri Krishna's teachings to the society.

On the second day, the attendees witnessed several enactments such as Guru Vandana, Lord Krishna's Virat Swaroop Darshan, Shri Krishna's Leelas in Mathura and the Anandmayi Utsav of Krishna's Birthday. For those who could not attend in person, the event was live streamed on DJJS's official YouTube channel, allowing a global audience to join virtually.

Guests broke the matki, appreciated the efforts of DJJS

The highlight of the event was the Matki Phod activity which targeted the social evils prevailing in the society. The occasion was graced by the presence of Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh and star attraction, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker.

Manu Bhaker fired a slingshot

These government representatives along with Manu Bhaker representing thousands of youth performed this Matki Phod activity. Manu Bhaker demonstrated her shooting skills through slingshot and broke the Matkis of social evils. Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Annapurna Devi broke the Matkis of women's insecurity and cultural oppression. Other special guests also participated in this Matki Phod Leela activity on the stage.Social projects of Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan were shown

This was followed by a digital presentation which showcased Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan and its social projects which are working at the grassroots level in various fields of society and bringing about great changes in the society. It concluded with a collective oath by thousands of devotees to build a great India.

Everyone took the pledge amidst the music

Amidst flags and high beat music, everyone took the pledge, “We resolve that we will build a great India in accordance with the ideals of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama.” The whole set up was pulsating with energy. Manoj Tiwari sang bhajans in praise of Lord Krishna and praised the work done by Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan under the guidance of divine guru Ashutosh Maharaj.

Guests visited the exhibition area

All these dignitaries also visited the exhibition area where a huge digitized 3D Govardhan model was installed. Everyone enthusiastically placed their sticks under Govardhan and took a pledge to protect the environment along with the Krishna devotees present there.

Manu Bhaker praises the efforts of DJJS

Praising the efforts of DJJS under the guidance of Ashutosh Maharaj, Manu Bhaker said- 'Today Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan has honoured me by inviting me on this holy platform of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. When warriors like Arjun need Krishna, we are just ordinary humans. We too need the company of a divine being like Krishna. My favourite line from the Gita is that do your work with full devotion. Do not worry about the result. A true effort made by connecting with God is sure to be successful.'

The program is not amazing but unimaginable

Sharing his experience, Union Minister Gajendra Singh said, 'The Krishna Janmashtami program of Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan is not just amazing but I would say unimaginable! I repeatedly praise the incomparable work that Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji is doing in maintaining the purity and sanctity of India.'

Maharaj set up a big organization

Minister Annapurna Devi said, 'Divine Guru Ashutosh Maharaj has set up such a big organization. And today thousands of devotees have gathered here on Krishna Janmashtami. Congratulations again and again for all this.'

Attractive tableaus by DJJS

Another highlight of the event was the 350 feet area dedicated to tableaux. These tableaux displayed attractive and vivid displays depicting important moments from Lord Krishna's life. Visitors also got an opportunity to actively engage with the divine leelas. One of them even said, 'It feels as if I have reached Gokul-Vrindavan'.

According to a DJJS security official, the event was managed by over 1,500 DJJS volunteers, including ex-servicemen and security personnel.

More than forty thousand people gathered

DJJS spokesperson and disciple of Ashutosh Maharaj Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti in her statement to the media revealed that more than 45,000 people including political figures, Indian Olympic players, Krishna devotees, and people from medical, legal and academic fields attended the grand event. Events like the Kolkata case and massacres on Indian borders inspired us to hold our 29th Janmashtami event in this format. Hence the theme of the event was kept as 'Darshan Itihaas Ka, Parivartan Aaj Ka' so that effective solutions to deal with such important issues can be learnt through the Leelas of Lord Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita.