🌸 Janmashtami – The Birth of Light Within

By Dr. Neeti Kaushik

Some memories are not stored in photo albums, but in the very fragrance of life. For me, Janmashtami is one such memory.

As a little girl, the arrival of this festival would fill my school days with an energy unlike any other time of the year. There would be the eagerly awaited fancy dress competitions — some of us became Radha with our colourful lehenga and braided hair decorated with flowers, some became Krishna with a peacock feather tucked into our headbands, a flute in hand, and a mischievous smile trying to match his own.

I still remember the touch of sandalwood paste on my cheeks, the jingling anklets, and the thrill of being part of jhankis — the tableaux bringing to life scenes from Krishna’s enchanting stories.

The local mela would be the highlight of the evening — the swirl of the giant wheel, the smell of freshly fried jalebis, the shopkeepers calling out to visitors. Families would walk together, laughing, eating, and buying small tokens of the festival. In those childhood years, Janmashtami was joy painted in bright colours — an innocent celebration of music, dance, and togetherness.

But as I grew older, the festival began to speak to me differently.
I began to see Krishna not only as the Makhan Chor who stole butter, but also as the divine strategist, philosopher, and friend who has guided humanity through the most difficult battles — not just on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, but in the battlefields of our own minds and lives. His words in the Bhagavad Gita are not ancient relics, they are living truths.

The Deeper Meaning of Janmashtami

Janmashtami, celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada, marks the birth of Shri Krishna over 5,000 years ago in Mathura. His birth was no ordinary event — it happened at midnight, in the prison cell of his parents, Vasudeva and Devaki, under the shadow of the cruel King Kansa.

Why midnight?

Because symbolically, it is in the darkest hour that divine light is born. When the world is gripped by fear, injustice, and confusion, a force of truth and love emerges to restore balance.

Krishna’s birth is a reminder that no matter how heavy the chains of our life may feel — whether it is stress, self-doubt, or hardship — there is always the possibility of liberation and light.

Krishna’s Teachings — The Eternal Compass for Life

Through the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna gave us a philosophy that is timeless. These are not abstract spiritual ideals; they are tools to navigate everyday life — in our careers, relationships, family responsibilities, and even our role as citizens of the world.

1. Focus on Your Duty, Not the Results

“Karmanye vadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachana”
(You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you should not be concerned with  to the fruits of your actions.)

This is perhaps Krishna’s most famous teaching. He tells Arjuna to act with full sincerity, but without being attached to the outcome.

In today’s world, this is a lifeline. Whether you are working on a business project, studying for an exam, or nurturing your family, do it with dedication — and then let go of the anxiety about results.

In my own life, I have found that when I give my 100% to the present moment, the results often surprise me — and even if they don’t, I walk away richer in experience and growth.

2. Stand for Righteousness (Dharma)

“Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati Bharata, abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham”
(“Whenever there is a decline in righteousness (dharma) and a rise in unrighteousness (adharma), I manifest myself.)

Krishna sided with the Pandavas not because they were his relatives, but because they stood for dharma.

In our personal and professional lives, we too face crossroads — where the easy path tempts us, but the right path calls us. Following dharma may not give instant rewards, but it builds a foundation of peace, trust, and respect that nothing can shake.

3. Control the Mind and Senses

“Bandhur atmatmanas tasya yenatmaivatmana jitah”
(For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best friend; but for one who has failed to do so, it will remain the greatest enemy.)

In our era of endless distractions, the mind often becomes our biggest hurdle. Krishna reminds us that inner mastery is more important than outer achievements.

Through meditation, reflection, and self-discipline, we can turn the mind into our ally — bringing focus to our work, peace to our relationships, and clarity to our decisions.

Also read: Healing the Unseen: A Journey Through Shadow Work & Inner Child Healing

4. Love Without Possession, Serve Without Expectation

Krishna’s relationship with Radha, his friendship with Sudama, and his love for the people of Vrindavan show us a form of love that is free from control and ownership. True love uplifts and liberates; it does not bind. In our families and friendships, the more we release the need to control, the deeper the bond becomes.

5. Adaptability and Resourcefulness

Krishna was equally at home as the cowherd boy playing the flute, as the diplomat negotiating peace, and as Arjuna’s charioteer in the battlefield. His life teaches us the power of adaptability — the ability to shift roles with grace, to adjust strategies without losing our core values. In a fast-changing world, this is one of the greatest strengths we can cultivate.

Three Promises to Make This Janmashtami

Celebrating Janmashtami is not only about singing bhajans and decorating cradles — it is also about renewing our commitment to live better, truer lives. This year, I invite you to make three personal promises to yourself in the presence of Krishna’s wisdom:

1. Follow Your Dharma Fearlessly
   • Whether it is in your career, relationships, or your role in society — commit to doing what is right, even when it is not easy.
   • Example: If you see injustice at work, speak up respectfully instead of staying silent.
2. Give Selflessly, Without Expectation
   • Choose at least one act of kindness every week — help someone without expecting anything in return.
   • Example: Offer your skills to a friend in need, donate anonymously, or simply listen without judgment to someone going through a hard time.
3. Nurture Your Family and Inner Circle with Love and Patience
   • In the busyness of life, consciously make time for those who matter most.
   • Example: Set aside your phone during dinner to have a heartfelt conversation with your loved ones.

You can write these promises down, keep them in your journal, and revisit them whenever life feels overwhelming.

Your Turn to Share…

Krishna has many forms — the playful Makhan Chor, the enchanting flute player of Vrindavan, the divine lover in Rasleela, and the wise charioteer in the Mahabharata.
💭 Which form of Krishna is closest to your heart?
Is it a childhood memory of your Laddu Gopal at home, a story you love, or a teaching that guides your life today? Share your memory or connection with Krishna in the comments — I would love to read and connect with you.

For more information, visit our YouTube channel: “ Nitty Gritty with Dr Neeti Kaushik”