Thousands of Russians, including members of the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), joined Indians here
to celebrate Janmashtami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna.
Amid unprecedented security measures in the face of growing terrorist attacks
in crowded places, the celebrations took place in a huge camp constructed
specially for the occasion.
Thousands of Indians and Russians poured into Moscow's downtown Khoroshevskoye
Shose, home to Russia's lone Hindu temple, to offer prayers to Lord Krishna
from midday Wednesday.
As the Indians looked on, Russian Hindu 'pandits' or priests performed rituals
like 'abhishek', 'pravachan' and 'parikrama' associated with Janmashtami.
The magnificently decorated area gave the impression of an Indian 'mela' or
festival as worshippers chanted mantras and Indian songs filled the air. Stalls
selling Indian souvenirs, spices and food added to the atmosphere.
Groups of Russian ISKCON members, wearing pink dresses, played drums and danced
while chanting "Hare Ram, Hare Krishna".
"Russians like Indian festivals because we have common roots," said
Indologist Natalia Guseva, who has researched the common origin of Indians and
Russians.
"These colourful festivals bring us a lot of joy and make our time-tested
friendship stronger."
Children were the happiest of the lot as a host of games, competitions and
plays kept them busy through the sunny day. On Wednesday evening, a large crowd
gathered to watch a cultural programme staged in a marqee decorated with Indian
religious motifs.
Russian artistes and children of the Indian School in Moscow presented songs
and dances dedicated to Lord Krishna. The crowd was spellbound when artists of
Moscow's Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre presented dances reflecting Krishna's
romance with gopis.
Russian girls, dressed in colourful Indian attire and ornaments, proved more
than a match for their Indian counterparts in presenting several dances. A
drama depicting aspects of Lord Krisna's life was followed by Maha Yagna and
Maha Aarati. Addressing the crowd, India's ambassador to Russia, K. Raghunath,
wished peace, prosperity and happiness to every family.
Among the crowd were Russian cultural personalities like artist Natalia Durova
and singer Rastislav Sergeyev. Most leading channels like NTV, RenTV and TVC
widely covered the Janmashtami celebrations, an uncommon gesture.