The day of Janmashtami marks the incarnation of Bhagwan Shri Krishna on earth. His birth anniversary was celebrated across North America with various devotional festivities, including a ceremonial offering of food (the 'annakut'), singing, chanting, discourses from swamis, and an arti signifying Shri Krishna's holy birth.
Shri Krishna's three qualities: Prempurush, Dharmapurush, and Gnanpurush, were highlighted throughout the celebration. The quality of Prempurush, meaning one who provides selfless love, covered the stories of the devotees who received selfless love from Bhagwan Shri Krishna. The quality of Dharmapurush, one who embodies and establishes righteousness, is reflected in a scene from the Mahabharat- when Bhagwan Shri Krishna intervened to save Draupadi while everyone else stood idle. Lastly, the quality of Gnanpurush, one who is knowledgeable, expanded on the richness of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and its guidance for the spiritual path and life's challenges. Bhagwan Shri Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita that Gnan (knowledge) is taught through the life and example of an ever-present form of Aksharbrahma, a real-life guru (satpurush).
After video blessings from HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, the festivities culminated with the divine and auspicious birth of Shri Krishna, signified by the arti and joyous swinging of the cradle.