Letters to the Editor: Janmashtami, an Indian festival

Janmashtami, an Indian festival

This year, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 6. From Vrindavan to Mumbai, Krishna Janmashtami is observed by the devotees of Lord Krishna. Dahi Handi, which is celebrated on September 7, is a major attraction of Krishna Janmashtami. Dahi means curd, and handi means an earthen pot filled with curd, butter, and other milk products.

In Mumbai, Dahi Handi celebrations get more and more competitive every year. A participant in this festival is called Govinda (another name for Krishna) or Govinda Pathak. The pyramid formation is often accompanied by crowds of people, music, and dancing. Hundreds of teams participate in this event every year, and famous celebrities are invited to promote it. Some mandals even incorporate social messages like female foeticide or about keeping the environment clean.

The story of Lord Krishna’s birth is as fascinating as the events that took place during his lifetime. According to Hindu mythology, when evil and immoral forces took over the world, Mother Earth pleaded with Lord Brahma to bring an end to the prevailing conditions. Lord Brahma then asked Lord Vishnu for help, who proclaimed that he would soon take birth to banish all evil from the earth. This Janmashtami, let us hail Lord Krishna and absorb his teachings and his blessings in our lives.

Jubel D'Cruz,

(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com.)

India’s national nutrition drive

The severe impact of poor diets on global health is undeniable, resulting in millions of annual deaths and a multitude of health issues. This issue has been particularly emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our world today, where sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and stress have become the norm, it is imperative to prioritize healthy eating. This concern is especially critical in places like Indian cities, where the dual challenges of obesity and inadequate access to nutritious food persist, as underscored by India’s low ranking on the Global Hunger Index. National Nutrition Week in India, celebrated from September 1 to September 7, plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about the significance of healthy eating habits for both physical and mental well-being. This week serves as a crucial platform for motivating individuals to make better dietary choices and embrace balanced lifestyles. In the same vein, India observes National Nutrition Month in September, also known as Rashtriya Poshan Maah. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and driven by the National Nutrition Mission, POSHAN Abhiyaan, employs a range of strategies, including initiatives like school nutrition gardens and health promotions. Its primary aim is to engage communities, combat malnutrition among children and women, and enhance overall health and nutrition. In September 2023, the Ministry of Women and Child Development will celebrate the 6th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, marking it with a range of comprehensive plans. These plans encompass awareness campaigns, camps, and programmes targeting pregnant and lactating women, young children, and girls. On the first day of Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2023, nearly 10 lakh activities took place nationwide. The day emphasized crucial themes such as ‘Improving Nutrition through Mission LiFE and ‘Exclusive Breastfeeding’ and Complimentary Feeding. Through National Nutrition Month, the focus is on educating and engaging the population. India is determined to make a significant contribution towards a healthier future, all while recognizing the paramount importance of holistic well-being in the face of modern lifestyle challenges and their profound impact on health, society, and the environment.

Krishna Kumar Vepakomma,

(vepakrish1956@gmail.com.)