Janmashtami, heralding the birth of Lord Krishna, is one of the most celebrated festivals in Hindu culture. For television actress Jaya Bhattacharya, renowned for her role as Urmila in Sun Neo’s show “Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,” the festival is steeped in personal significance and vibrant traditions. As Janmashtami approaches, Jaya openly shares her treasured childhood memories, her profound love for the festivities, and her plans for the current year.
Recalling her upbringing in the culturally rich city of Lucknow, Jaya describes Janmashtami celebrations that were joyous and steeped in creativity. “We used to create intricate jhankis (decorative displays) using colored sawdust to craft scenes, not unlike the elaborate installations seen during Ganpati festivals,” she reminisces. One of her most endearing memories is associated with panjiri, a traditional sweet made from whole wheat flour and an assortment of nuts. She fondly recalls, “We would relish it with gusto, throwing large handfuls into the air and blowing them out of our mouths while saying ‘phoo phaa’. It was a playful mess and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”
Jaya elaborates that the celebrations would stretch into the night, culminating in the Jan Ka Utsav at midnight—a pivotal event marked by singing and dancing to herald Krishna’s birth. Reflecting on contemporary celebrations, Jaya feels that today’s Janmashtami lacks the same charm. “Things seem so artificial and hurried now. Back then, every family or group of families would come together to create these beautiful jhankis. It was a collective celebration,” she shares with a hint of nostalgia.
This year, Jaya will celebrate Janmashtami on the set of “Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,” the very show that ties her more closely to traditional values. “We are already preparing for a special episode to honor the occasion,” she discloses, adding that, for her, work is almost a form of prayer. “Quoting Lord Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita, I focus on performing my duties without worrying about the outcomes. This mindset guides me both in life and my career.”
Interestingly, Jaya also mentions how helping others has been an inherent trait passed down through her family.
. “It’s something natural to me, it’s in my blood,” she asserts.
“Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya” itself is a tender family drama centered around Vaishnavi, an orphan who sees Chhathi Maiyya as her mother. The show explores themes of faith, righteousness, and the triumph of good over evil. The ensemble cast includes prominent actors Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit, alongside Jaya Bhattacharya. Viewers can tune into these compelling narratives on Sun Neo, Monday through Saturday at 7 PM.
In her recollection of past Janmashtami observances, Jaya is quick to highlight the communal spirit that once pervaded the festivities. “Every household participated, it was about collective joy and shared creativity,” she notes, emphasizing that today’s celebrations feel too commercial and rushed.
For this year’s Janmashtami, the festivities on the set of “Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya” promise to be extraordinary. “We are already preparing for a special episode,” Jaya reiterates, eager to blend professional and personal joy into the celebration.
Her current endeavors seem to be driven by the wisdom attributed to Lord Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita. “I focus on performing my duties without worrying about the outcomes,” she explains, implying that this philosophy serves as her guiding principle in navigating both her professional commitments and personal aspirations. Moreover, her inclination to help others reflects the values imbued in her by her family. “It’s something that comes naturally to me,” she acknowledges with humility.
“Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,” characterized by its portrayal of virtuous themes such as the victory of goodness over evil and the strength of belief, offers a poignant look at enduring moral values. The series, featuring an impressive cast that includes Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit, serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith. Fans can catch the show on Sun Neo, airing from Monday to Saturday at 7 PM.
As the actress prepares to ring in yet another Janmashtami, this time with her on-screen family, she cherishes the blend of old traditions with new circumstances, keeping alive the festival’s essence while adapting to contemporary settings. Reflecting on her past while embracing the present, Jaya Bhattacharya embodies the spirit of Janmashtami in every sense—dedicated, joyful, and deeply rooted in faith.
