Essence of Rituals performed at Janmashtami

"श्री कृष्णा हम सब मैं हैं, वस्त्र केवल आवरण हैं ." 

This was the first thought that crossed my mind when I received a message from my child's school asking me to dress him up like Shri Krishna. 

Did we ever realise that while we silently dressed up children like Shri Radha Rani and Shri Krishna we were actually observing God in each child, soul in each human is equally pure it is our karma that start defining us over a period of time.

From centuries people have been observing nirjala upwaas on Janamashtami, because a mother almost goes through similar process of nil by mouth while she is in labour pain. The essence of this ritual is to make you realise one of the many difficulties a mother faces to give birth to a child.

The act of Vasudeva indicates how a father selflessly goes through the trouble of raising you and keep you protected. 

The Charioteer that Shri Krishna was, stated down the importance of mentors in our lives.

Last thought- Even the super powers had to lead by example to enlighten humans.

P.S These are my personal views and interpretation 

Manisha Dawar