Gokulam is synonymous with the flute player of Vrindavan -Lord Krishna who incarnated as a human being. His birth day is celebrated in a grand scale with enthusiasm from time immemorial.

The sobriquet Southern Gokulam suits Nanganallur as one part of it resembles Goshala (sanctuary for cows) .The cowherd allow their cattle to graze in the roads causing inconvenience to the public.

Thus Nanganallurvasis are enthused to celebrate birthday of the supremo of the cowherd Lord Krishna.



Since Krishna is an endearing God , a divine prankster people celebrate his birth star with zeal and enthusiasm.

Nanganallur market was flooded with butter, milk, curd , aval. Jaggery ,etc as Krishna relished all the eatables. Is he not Makkawallah?

Women who are fastidious in buying the ingredients marched to the shops themselves to pick and choose. The process of preparing Cheedai Murukku started well in advance.

I could see women comparing their Cheedai with their neighbours.

On Gokulashtami the streets were redolent with oil as the array of offerings were being prepared as in a workshop. The aroma of ghee and jaggery mingled with the fragrance of flowers which transformed the area into a heaven on earth.

The entrance of the houses were decorated with the petite leg of Kutti Krishna in rice flour.

The Pooja room was festooned with Mavillai and flowers to welcome Krsihna to their homes. After offering an incredible assortment of sweets and savouries women and children recited verses from the holy scriptures. Many women propitiated the lord musically by rendering famous songs like Enna tahavam seithanai and Barokrishnayya.

Mangala aarthi was performed with a delectable array of offerings and was distributed to the family. Children were curious to taste the cheedai of the friends. They were interested in carrying their mothers preparation to the next house in plate covered with a cloth. I joined many Nanaganallurvasis in feeding Krshna's pet animal the bovine creatures who for once were contented eating proper fodder instead of paper.

Children dressed as Krishna danced around with Gopikas to enliven the festive spirit.

They flashed a mischievous smile and entranced the people with the ethereal nadam of the flute which captured the quintessence of Krishna Jayanthi.

Usha Raja