GOKULASHTAMI AND RAKSHABANDHAN FESTIVALS CELEBRATION

Gokulashtami or Krishna Jeyanthi marks the celebration of the birth of Sri Krishna.  Lord Sri Krishna was born on Ashtami day or the eighth day after Rakshabandhan during the Hindu month of Sravan.  Gokulashtami is one of the India’s most popular festivals celebrated all over India.  As per Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born in Madhura Jail on a dark, windy and rainy night.  The day is celebrated with great zeal and devotion.  It is believed that Lord Vishnu was reincarnated in the form of Lord Krishna.

                 The next celebration of the day is Rakshabandhan.  Rakshabandhan or Rakhi is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Shravan in Hindu calendar. This festival is known as Shravan Purnima.  On the occasion of Rakhi, the bond of affection existing between brothers and sisters strengthened.

    Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya celebrated Gokulashtami and Raksha Bandhan in a grand manner.  The programme was started at 2.00 p.m.  It was compered by Ajay of 9^th Std.  “The prayer of righteous man is powerful”. We initiated our programme by an invocation sung by the students of VIII standard.  “Welcome is a basic rule of politeness and it signals that we accept the expression of gratitude”.  Sushma, 11^th std of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya extended her warm welcome to all.  “Without freedom of speech there can be no such thing as wisdom”.  Rishika Bharathi of XI standard delivered the speech about the importance of Gokulashtami and Raksha Bandhan.  “Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with his gracious presence”.  The students of VII and VIII standard sang a beautiful Lord Krishna song in sanskrit.

            The Chief Guest of the function, Dr.Krishna, M.Sc., B.Ed., P.hd., the first Chairperson of Amirta College of Engineering and Technology, Erachakulam addressed the gathering.  She appreciated the students as well as the teachers, who are an effective part of the society.  She explained that the Raksha Bandhan marked the relationship of brothers and sisters and the meaning of Rakshabandhan. 

       She quoted Swamiji’s powerful Chicago address which he started by “Sisters and Brothers of America”.  She advised the students what we expected from others, the same thing we have to give others.  

          Then she narrated the story of the Mahabharath Saguni who was the best example of evil and Lord Krishna who was the best illustration of Good.  She told the life is full of struggle and we should not leave our good principles in any circumstances.  She advised the students that we should observe and analyse ourselves.  We should be confident in all our activities.

 The students, Anish and Pratheeba from XII Standard tied the “Rakhi” to the Chief guest and the Principal.

            Sri Abraham Lingom, the Principal of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya presented the memento to the chief guest.  “Dance cherishes the moment”.  

The students of Vivekananda 

Kendra Vidyalaya were dressed as Radha and Krishna.  They gave a traditional touch to the celebration.  They danced to praise Lord Krishna.  They performed Uriyadi in an enthusiastic manner.

            “Gratitude creates a vision for tomorrow”.  Akilan of IX standard delivered the vote of thanks.  The programme was concluded at 4 pm by Kendra Prarthana.