As the vibrant festival of Janmashtami approaches, actress Jaya Bhattacharya, known for her role as Urmila in the popular show “Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,” takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about her childhood celebrations in Lucknow. In an exclusive interview, Jaya shares her cherished memories and reflects on how the festival’s essence has evolved over the years.
SOURCE : ZEE
Growing up in Lucknow, Janmashtami was a time of immense joy and creativity for Jaya. “We used to create jhankis (decorative displays) using colored sawdust to make scenes, similar to what people do during Ganpati festivals,” she recalls These jhankis were a labor of love, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, and often depicted scenes from Lord Krishna’s life.
Source:- BBC news
One of Jaya’s fondest memories involves the traditional sweet, panjiri, made from whole wheat flour and nuts. “We would eat it with such fun, taking big handfuls and blowing it out of our mouths while saying ‘phoo phaa’, creating a playful mess and thoroughly enjoying ourselves,” she shares with a laugh The celebrations would continue all night, culminating in the Jan Ka Utsav at midnight, followed by singing and dancing.
Reflecting on today’s Janmashtami festivities, Jaya feels that the celebrations have lost some of their charm. “Things feel so artificial and rushed now. Back then, every household or group of families would come together to make jhankis,” she notes Despite this, Jaya remains deeply connected to the festival’s spiritual essence.
This year, Jaya will be celebrating Janmashtami on the set of “Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya.” “We are already preparing for a special episode,” she reveals, adding that her work is a form of prayer Guided by Lord Krishna’s teachings, Jaya believes in performing her duties without worrying about the outcomes. “As Lord Krishna said in the Bhagavad Gita, ‘You have the right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your actions.’ This means I focus on doing my work well without worrying too much about the outcomes,” she explains
Jaya also emphasizes her natural inclination to help others, a trait she believes is passed down through her family. “Helping people comes naturally to me, and I believe it runs in my family. I don’t expect anything in return for my efforts and often forget the details of what I’ve done. It’s rewarding to know that I’ve made a difference, even if I don’t remember every instance,” she says
“Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya” is a heartfelt family drama that follows Vaishnavi, an orphan who reveres Chhathi Maiyya as her mother. The show emphasizes the triumph of good over evil and the power of faith, with a cast featuring Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit. It airs on Sun Neo, Monday through Saturday at 7 PM
As Janmashtami draws near, Jaya Bhattacharya’s reflections remind us of the festival’s enduring significance and the timeless joy it brings. Whether through childhood memories or current celebrations, the spirit of Janmashtami continues to inspire devotion and creativity.
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