Janmashtami, the widely-celebrated festival honoring the birth of Lord Krishna, holds a special place in the heart of actress Jaya Bhattacharya, best known for her role as Urmila in the television show ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya’ aired on Sun Neo. With the festival just around the corner, Jaya offers a glimpse into her cherished memories, her affection for Janmashtami, and the plans she has set for this year’s festivities.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Jaya recalls her childhood in Lucknow with warmth and fondness. “When Janmashtami arrived, it radiated joy and creativity throughout our household,” Jaya nostalgically shared. “We would create elaborate jhankis (decorative displays) using colored sawdust to depict various scenes from Krishna’s life. It was much like the meticulous setups people create for Ganpati festivals.”
One of her most treasured memories from these times is the traditional sweet panjiri, a delicacy made from whole wheat flour and nuts. “We used to eat it with such enthusiasm,” she reminisced. “We’d take large handfuls, blow it out of our mouths while exclaiming ‘phoo phaa,’ turning it into a playful, joyous mess and fully immersing ourselves in the fun of it all.” The celebrations in her youth weren’t constrained by time; they continued throughout the night. Jaya joyfully recounted, “We had the Jan Ka Utsav at midnight, and the night would come alive with singing and dancing sessions that went on till dawn.”
However, Jaya feels that modern-day Janmashtami celebrations have lost some of the charm she so fondly remembers. “Today, the celebrations seem artificial and rushed,” she remarked with a touch of nostalgia. “In those days, it was a community affair. Each household or group of families participated in making jhankis, which fostered unity and a deeper sense of celebration.”
For this year’s Janmashtami, Jaya will be marking the occasion on the set of ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya.’ “We are already gearing up for a special episode,” she revealed, mentioning that her dedication to her work serves as a form of spiritual practice. Quoting a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, she elaborated, “I focus on performing my duties without worrying about the outcomes.” This philosophy, she mentioned, guides her in both her professional and personal life.
One notable aspect of Jaya’s character is her natural inclination to help others, a trait she attributes to her family upbringing. She believes that serving others without expecting anything in return is something that has been ingrained in her through generations.
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The TV show ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya’ delves into a touching narrative centered around Vaishnavi, an orphan who reveres Chhathi Maiyya as her mother. The series emphasizes the themes of good triumphing over evil and the power of unwavering faith. The talented cast includes Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit, and it airs on Sun Neo from Monday through Saturday at 7 PM.
Reflecting further on her memories, Jaya shared additional anecdotes about her childhood. “As kids, we eagerly awaited Janmashtami. In our neighborhood, it wasn’t just a day but an event that we prepared for weeks in advance. Families got together to plan their jhankis, and children competed to make the most creative and colorful displays. It was a collective effort, and everyone took pride in contributing to the celebrations.”
The food, too, was a highlight of the festivities for Jaya. Besides panjiri, she remembers the diverse array of sweets and snacks prepared specifically for the occasion. “Each family had its special recipes, and we fondly exchanged food, enhancing the spirit of sharing and love. The festivities felt rich with meaning, and the joy was palpable,” she added.
Jaya’s sentiments about Janmashtami today come from a place of longing for the authenticity and simplicity of past celebrations. “Today’s tech-driven world lacks the organic connection we once had. People are busy, and celebrations often take a backseat or become formalities. But back then, it wasn’t about the scale or the grandeur; it was about coming together and creating a festival of joy with whatever resources we had,” she said.
Despite her longing for the traditions of yesteryears, Jaya looks forward to bringing a slice of those cherished celebrations to the set of ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya.’ She hopes that the special episode will capture some of the timeless essence of Janmashtami and resonate with the audience, invoking the spirit of devotion and joy synonymous with the festival.
As the conversation winds down, Jaya leaves us with a reflective thought: “Festivals like Janmashtami are not just rituals but celebrations of life, love, and togetherness. Holding onto their true essence will keep our culture alive and thriving.”
