Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Raksha Bandhan Celebration at VKV Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Dakshin Prant, Tamil Nadu Vibhag, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kanyakumari, celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami  and Raksha Bandhan in Swami Vivekananda Sabhagriham at Vivekanandapuram Campus on 24th August 2024, starting from 2 p.m. A total of 1,400 students took part in the celebration.

The occasion was graced by Sri Vikram Govinda Das Ji, Co-ordinator of ISKCON Temples in Kanyakumari District, as the Chief Guest. Mananeeya Rekha Davey Didi, Joint General Secretary of VRM & VK, presided over the event. Kum. R. Rashmitha from Class X-C served as the master of ceremonies.

The Krishna Janmashtami celebration commenced with an invocation. Kum. Abisha of Std XII warmly welcomed the gathering, followed by a rhythmic Tamil song performed by the students of Class VII. Madhan of Class VIII delivered a speech in Tamil, setting the tone for the event.

Sri Vikram Govinda Das Ji began his address with the chanting of the 'Hare Rama' Mahamantra. He explained the meaning of 'Vivekananda' as "acquired knowledge and bliss" and quoted verses from the Tamil text Thirukkural. He emphasized the four objectives of human life: Aram (Dharma), Porul (Artha), Inbam (Kama), and Veedu (Moksha), and praised the students for their outstanding performances.

During the event, students Sri Sanjeev Varshan and Kum. Bavika tied rakhis to the dignitaries as a symbol of love and protection. A memento was presented to the Chief Guest by Mananeeya Rekha Didi. In her address, Rekha Didi encouraged students to maintain positive thoughts, explaining that those who tie the rakhi are both protected and responsible for protecting others. She shared a few incidents from the life of Shri Krishna, highlighting the importance of remaining calm and finding purpose of life.

The cultural segment featured many students dressed as adorable Krishnas and Radhas. They also participated in the traditional game of Uriyadi (pot breaking game), guided by melodious music. B. Sivanesh of Class V, who played the role of Krishna, performed the Uriyadi. The event concluded with Mananeeya Rekha Didi distributing prizes to the academic toppers of 2023-24 and to the KG students who were dressed as little Krishna and Radha.