HOUSTON, TEXAS, August 28, 2014 (Indo American News): This year attendance at the premier, nonprofit event marking the birth of Lord Krishna – on 17 August, 3228 BC, according to the Bhagvata Purana – was at an all-time high of 8,000, reversing a decline over the past few years that had concerned the organizing group, the Hindus of Greater Houston. This year, the HGH had pulled out all the stops, it seemed, and made some fundamental changes that generated the enthusiasm among area Hindus to attend in large numbers as the Janamashtami event was held this past evening Saturday, August 23.
Since its inception in 1990 as a venue for bringing the celebration of life and wisdom of one of the major divinities in Hinduism, Lord Krishna, the Janamashtami festival has sought to bring together all the temples and other Hindu organizations under one roof to show not only the unity among these groups in the metropolitan area but also bring the culture and beauty of Hinduism – and by extension, India – to the Houston community.
This year nearly 70 booths displayed their products and services, including the area restaurants, and for the first time, 15 commercial booths were allowed to locate to the other side of the booths with religious affiliations, which still formed the colorful majority of the booths towards the center and right of the elevated stage in the back of the cavernous hall. “Hindus of the greater Houston area celebrated the birth of Lord Krishna in a truly grand style at this Silver Jubilee celebration,” said Thara Narasimhan, a Board member and longtime supporter of HGH. “True to tradition, it was a celebration of many accolades, celebrities and achievements of the past and present community Hindu leaders.”