BASOLI (KATHUA), AUGUST 28: Chudamani Sanskrit Institute in Vishwasthali city witnessed a grand celebration of Janmashtami on Monday as students offered one lakh Tulsi leaves and Chhappan Bhog to Lord Krishna Chandra in Basoli area of Kathua district. The festival was marked by prayers for the well-being of the Gurukul and the residents of Vishwasthali, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of Sanatan Dharma.
In Indian Sanatan Dharma, Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. At the Chudamani Sanskrit Institute, this ancient tradition has been observed for centuries, and this year, students celebrated with great enthusiasm. As part of the rituals, they offered one lakh Tulsi leaves and the traditional Chhappan Bhog (a meal with 56 dishes) to Lord Krishna, symbolizing their devotion and prayers for the welfare of the community.
The festival preparations included students going door to door across Vishwasthali city, collecting Tulsi leaves from devotees. Their collective effort to gather and offer the leaves created a heartwarming scene, as they brought together the spiritual community in a show of unity. The Principal of the Gurukul, Dr. Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, narrated the story of Lord Krishna’s birth, reciting from the Bhagwat Mahapuran, creating an atmosphere of spiritual reflection.
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At midnight, traditional rituals such as Mahabhishek, Shringar, Archana, and Aarti were performed for Lord Bal Gopal and Lord Shaligram with the chanting of Vedic mantras. The students also performed dance, drama, and music to awaken the spiritual atmosphere in the Gurukul.
For the first time in Vishwasthali city, the students, referred to as Batuks, organized the offering of one lakh Tulsi leaves, making this Janmashtami celebration historic for the town. The Chief Trustee of the Institute, Shri Shakti Kumar Pathak, attended the event with his family and praised the efforts of the Gurukul in preserving Sanatan culture.
“The Gurukul is the soul of Sanatan culture. Along with celebrating every festival, the students here are given knowledge of the scriptures. Our aim is to ensure that every student is familiar with Sanatan values,” said Pathak.
The Principal, Management Committee, Acharyas, and many devotees from Basohli town also joined in the festivities, making the occasion a memorable one for the entire community.
