Mumbai: Janmashtami is more than a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. For many, it is also a time to revisit cherished childhood memories, family traditions and rituals that have remained close to the heart over the years. From decorating homes and observing fasts to visiting temples and enjoying traditional delicacies, the festival carries a strong emotional connection for generations.
Sun Neo actors Harithi Joshi, Ankita Bahuguna and Neha Solanki recently shared some of their most treasured Janmashtami memories, recalling the traditions and family moments that made the festival special during their childhood.
Harithi Joshi, who plays Tara in Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani, enjoys celebrating Janmashtami with her family. For her, the festival is an opportunity to decorate the house, worship Lord Krishna and spend quality time with loved ones.
Recalling her childhood, Joshi said she would often dress up as Radha or Krishna and participate in festive celebrations. She also developed a fondness for Krishna bhajans, which she continues to enjoy. Decorating the idol of Lord Krishna at home and celebrating together as a family remain among her favourite aspects of Janmashtami.
For Ankita Bahuguna, who portrays Anupriya in Thodi Si Umeed, Thoda Sa Aasman, the festival brings back memories of fasting and visiting temples with her family. During childhood, she would observe a fast and wait until midnight for the traditional celebration of Krishna’s birth before breaking her fast with fruit-based food.
Among her fondest memories are the homemade sweets prepared by her grandmother, particularly coconut barfi and panjiri. She also recalls being fascinated by the colourful tableaux displayed at temples, depicting different episodes from Lord Krishna’s life.
“Janmashtami has always brought back some of my sweetest childhood memories,” Bahuguna recalled, particularly remembering the excitement surrounding the midnight celebrations and the special food prepared at home.
For Neha Solanki, who will soon be seen in the lead role in the upcoming show Rajnandini, Janmashtami is deeply connected with family traditions and childhood nostalgia.
Solanki enjoys decorating a small swing for Lord Krishna and giving the house a festive makeover. Preparing sweets and waiting until midnight for the arrival of Krishna are also among the traditions she cherishes.
She particularly remembers the fresh makhan-mishri prepared by her mother every Janmashtami. Solanki and her brother would eagerly wait for it, making the traditional offering one of the most anticipated parts of the festival. Eating makhan-mishri after the midnight celebration remains one of her favourite Janmashtami memories.
For the three Sun Neo stars, Janmashtami is therefore not limited to rituals, prayers or fasting. It is an opportunity to reconnect with family, relive childhood memories and celebrate traditions that have continued to make the festival special year after year.
Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani airs Monday to Saturday at 7 pm, while Thodi Si Umeed, Thoda Sa Aasman airs at 7:30 pm. Rajnandini is set to premiere soon, exclusively on Sun Neo.
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