Today is a very special day. In India it is called Radhashtami. It is the birthday of Radha who, according to Hindu mythology, is the lover, inspiration and energy of Lord Krishna. Especially in our town this day is celebrated even more than Krishna’s birthday. Krishna’s birthday was fifteen days ago and all over the world this day is celebrated. Just in Vrindavan the celebration of Radhashtami is even bigger. They make music and a procession and dance in the streets and thousands of people go out into the street to celebrate the Goddess Radha. They give gifts to each other, eat sweets and sing ‘Happy Birthday Radha’.
This is also the birthday of Swami Haridas who lived around 600 years ago and who was a great spiritual soul and musician living in Vrindavan. He loved Krishna very much and Krishna loved him. His poems are very popular and touching.
And today is also the birthday of my grandfather. With this nice combination of dates I also chose this day in 1997 to go into the cave for the following three years and 108 days. Of course this is a day of celebration at the Ashram. Many spiritual people use to come and we have a conference, a celebration with singing and dancing and a Bhandara with many people.
It is the first time in my life that I am not in Vrindavan on this day. Purnendu sent pictures from the celebration and I saw them and imagined I was there to share this energy and enjoy the celebration. Ramona asked me if I was sad not to be there and I answered ‘No, I am not sad but of course I am thinking of Vrindavan and remember this energy. This is how I can be there in spirit and enjoy.’ I have made this plan early and decided not to be in Vrindavan in that time. I am happy here, too, and I feel like it is nice if I am there but I am not fixed with this idea. I don’t have to be there just because I was there for my whole life. I have the ability to accept change in my life and to make another decision and enjoy it.
Click here to see pictures of the celebration and Bhandara
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Happy birthday to ur grandfather,swami.., give my respects to ur granfather…, peace from bali….!
What a special time of year it must be for your family and friends of the ashram. I enjoy how much Indian people celebrate throughout the year!