Chhattisgarh, a land of vibrant folk traditions, celebrates its festivals with enthusiasm and simplicity, expressed through songs, dances, and various art forms. These festivals infuse energy into the community and keep the faith and beliefs of the people alive. One such cherished festival is Aathe Kanhaiya, the local form of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, celebrated with fervor across the state.
Aathe Kanhaiya: The Folk Essence of Krishna Janmashtami
Aathe Kanhaiya, observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, is Chhattisgarh’s unique celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth. According to mythology, Lord Krishna, born as the eighth child of Devaki, vanquished the tyrannical King Kansa of Mathura. While scriptures portray Krishna’s divine grandeur, in Chhattisgarh’s folk culture, he is revered as a protector and hero of the people—a humble cowherd who tends to cattle and alleviates the sorrows of the Brajvasis. This image is celebrated in folk songs, where Krishna is a central figure, embodying the spirit of a folk hero.
Lord Krishna’s incarnation was to protect the masses. By lifting the Govardhan Hill, he humbled Indra’s pride and, alongside the cowherds, demonstrated the power of collective strength. Aathe Kanhaiya symbolizes unity, courage, and cooperation among the people.
The Celebration of Aathe Kanhaiya
Celebrated on the dark night of Krishna’s birth, Aathe Kanhaiya recalls the time when Kansa’s tyranny plagued the Brajvasis. Krishna’s birth was a beacon of hope, uniting and inspiring people to fight oppression. In Chhattisgarh, people from all walks of life participate with enthusiasm, observing fasts and worshiping the child form of Krishna, known as Laddu Gopal, along with wall paintings (bhitti chitra).
Unique Wall Painting Tradition
The hallmark of Aathe Kanhaiya is its bhitti chitra (wall painting) tradition. Villagers create a group of eight paintings, about 2-3 feet high, on their home walls, symbolizing Krishna’s birth as the eighth child. These artworks, made with simple materials like natural dyes, ink, bhengra leaves, and clay, are spontaneous and captivating. The paintings often include motifs like snakes, scorpions, boats, and oarsmen, reflecting the vivid imagination of the folk. This ancient art form, rooted in thousands of years of tribal tradition, represents the faith, beliefs, and identity of Chhattisgarh’s people.
The Krishna birth narrative, where guards fell asleep and prison doors opened miraculously, allowing Vasudeva to carry newborn Krishna in a winnowing basket across the Yamuna to Gokul, resonates in Chhattisgarh’s villages. Even today, newborns are placed in rice-filled baskets, keeping this tradition alive.
Dahi Loot: A Joyous Tradition
The day after Aathe Kanhaiya, on Navami, the Dahi Loot (curd pot-breaking) event takes place, inspired by Krishna’s playful acts of stealing curd and butter. Though traditionally a one-day event, it now extends over several days. Pots filled with milk and curd are hung in village lanes, and groups of cowherds attempt to break them, creating a lively spectacle. Accompanied by Raut Nacha (folk dance) and Garwa Baja (traditional music), villagers in colorful attire transform the streets into a scene reminiscent of Gokul-Vrindavan. Raut dancers recite couplets, adding to the festive charm.
A Symbol of Unity and Cultural Identity
Aathe Kanhaiya is more than a celebration of Krishna’s birth; it embodies the unity, strength, and cultural identity of Chhattisgarh’s people. The bhitti chitra art form expresses the community’s emotions with purity and simplicity, while Dahi Loot reflects their zest for life. The festival inspires collective action and strengthens ties to cultural roots.
Aathe Kanhaiya is a vibrant and soulful festival that celebrates Lord Krishna as a folk hero through unique traditions like wall paintings and Dahi Loot. It not only holds religious significance but also reinforces Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural and social heritage, uniting communities and keeping age-old traditions alive.
