Major Gaurav Arya Once Celebrated Janmashtami In Gurdaspur And Saw Krishna Take Birth Twice!

At a time when the nation is stirred with patriotism, our Editor-in-Chief Kamiya Jani, met Major Gaurav Arya (Retd.) at his office for an insightful conversation revolving around the stories of his time in the Indian Army, his views on Pakistan and more. During the chat, Major Gaurav Arya even revealed a hilarious anecdote about how Janmashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday, was celebrated twice by his regiment.

Major Gaurav Arya Celebrated Janmashtami In Gurdaspur

The conversation with Major Gaurav Arya, while intense, was also peppered with anecdotes about the light-hearted moments in the Indian Army and the brotherhood that’s the foundation of the teams. While he was posted in Gurdaspur in Punjab in 1995, his Hyderabad-based commanding officer, Colonel Andrews, gave an order that his company should celebrate Janmashtami.

So, the entire Kumaon regiment was given the order to be present for the Janmashtami celebrations. But the brigade commander was unable to make it as he was travelling. Major Gaurav Arya narrated that about 10-11 pm at night, all the soldiers present were singing bhajans and waiting for midnight to ring in Lord Krishna’s birthday. At about 11:58 pm, the army priest arrived. As per the rules, hilariously asked Colonel Andrews for permission to start the rituals announcing Lord Krishna’s birth.

Once the priest received permission, they conducted a small explosion to start the celebrations. And the palanquin carrying a baby Krishna idol, tied to the roof, was brought down ritualistically. Major Gaurav Arya said that everyone sang “Mathura Mein Aaye Mere Nanda Lala”, a bhajan to mark the auspicious occasion.

Also Read: Why Is Phoolon Ki Holi Played? Here’s All About The Sacred Legend Of Radha & Krishna That Started It All

Witnessed Lord Krishna Take Birth Twice

After a few minutes, Colonel Andrews received a call from the Brigadier informing him that he was back from his travel. The Brigadier wanted to attend the function. To make sure the Brigadier wouldn’t miss out on the celebrations, Colonel Andrews requested the priest if they could conduct the entire ritual again, from the beginning. The priest readily obliged.

The palanquin was once again lifted and tied to the roof. The priest again, requested Colonel Andrews for permission to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday. Colonel Andrews obliged. Once again, there was a blast, followed by the palanquin with baby Krishna being brought down, bhajans sung and celebrations followed. This time with the presence of the Commanding Officer, the Brigadier. That’s how Major Gaurav Arya saw Krishna take birth twice in Gurdaspur.

Also Read: 6 Sweets Offered To Lord Krishna On The Auspicious Occasion Of Janmashtami

So, check out the interview with the retired Indian Army soldier on the Curly Tales YouTube channel.

Cover Image Courtesy: Internal