As the auspicious festival of Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, draws near, it holds deep significance for celebrated television actress Jaya Bhattacharya. Known for her captivating role as Urmila in Sun Neo’s popular show ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,’ Jaya has always embraced this festival with fervor and passion. In anticipation of the upcoming celebrations, Jaya takes a nostalgic journey down memory lane, reminiscing about her childhood experiences while also sharing her plans for this year’s festive observance.
Jaya Bhattacharya’s love for Janmashtami dates back to her childhood days in Lucknow. The actress fondly recollects the vibrant atmosphere and the sheer joy that filled the air during the festival. “Janmashtami was a time of unbound creativity and communal harmony,” she recalled. “We used to create intricate jhankis, which are decorative displays crafted from colored sawdust to depict various scenes from Lord Krishna’s life. This was a collaborative effort, similar to the Ganpati festivals where communities come together to create artistic expressions.”
Jaya’s recollections are filled with vivid imagery of traditional sweets and playful antics. One of her cherished memories revolves around the delectable sweet dish called panjiri, made from whole wheat flour and nuts. “Eating panjiri was a delightful affair. We would grab big handfuls and playfully blow it out of our mouths while chanting ‘phoo phaa.’ It was a fun, messy, and absolutely enchanting experience,” she reminisced. The celebrations spanned the entire night, culminating in the Jan Ka Utsav at midnight, where joyous singing and dancing ensued.
In contrast, Jaya feels that the essence of Janmashtami has somewhat diminished over the years. “Today’s celebrations often feel artificial and rushed,” she noted with a tinge of sadness. “Back then, every household or group of families would unite to create jhankis, investing time, effort, and love into every detail. It was more about the communal experience and less about superficial grandeur.”
Despite these changes, Jaya Bhattacharya’s enthusiasm for Janmashtami remains undeterred.
. This year, she will be celebrating the festival on the sets of her ongoing television drama ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya.’ The actress shared that preparations are already underway for a special episode that will showcase the spirit of the festival. “For me, work is a form of prayer,” Jaya explained, emphasizing how she integrates her spiritual practices into her professional life.
Quoting a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Jaya imparted a profound lesson she lives by: “I focus on performing my duties without being concerned about the outcomes.” This philosophy, rooted in Lord Krishna’s teachings, guides her daily actions and decisions. Furthermore, Jaya highlighted her innate desire to help others, a quality she believes has been inherited from her familial lineage.
‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya’ is a heartwarming family drama centered around the character Vaishnavi, an orphan who embodies unwavering devotion to Chhathi Maiyya as her divine mother. The storyline weaves together themes of good triumphing over evil and the unshakable power of faith, resonating deeply with its audience. The show features an ensemble cast including Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Brinda Dahal, Ashish Dixit, and of course, Jaya Bhattacharya herself. It is broadcast on Sun Neo, Monday through Saturday at 7 PM.
Jaya Bhattacharya finds solace and purpose in her work, particularly through her portrayal of Urmila. This character allows her to embody values she holds dear, thereby creating a unique synergy between her professional and spiritual worlds. As preparations for Janmashtami progress both on and off the set, Jaya’s reflections offer a poignant reminder of the festival’s enduring relevance and the potential for its revival in modern celebrations.
In concluding her reflections, Jaya shared yet another profound insight from the Bhagavad Gita: “I perform my duties without attachment to the results.” This mantra not only encapsulates her approach to acting but also serves as a guiding principle for her life’s journey. Her commitment to helping others, a value ingrained in her through generations, remains steadfast as she juggles her professional commitments and personal passions.
As Janmashtami approaches, Jaya Bhattacharya’s heartfelt reminiscences and current preparations collectively highlight the timeless allure of this beloved festival. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the enduring power of tradition, creativity, and communal joy in celebrating the divine birth of Lord Krishna.
