"Baro Krishnayya" - an exhibition-cum-sale of Krishna idols

Ramsons Kala Pratishtana, a local art gallery, had organised “Baro Krishnayya: Krishna in Art”, an exhibition on the occasion of Sri Krishna Jayanti from Aug. 3 to 12 at Pratima Gallery in front of Zoo in Mysore.

It was inaugurated by Sri Vishwa Prasanna Theertha Swamiji of Pejawara Mutt, Udupi.
Here are pictures from the exhibition-cum-sale..

Hundreds of figures of Krishna in various moods and pastimes and in various craft forms like traditional clay dolls, sandalwood figures, inlay panels, paintings, brass and bronze figurines, painted wooden images, marble sculptures, etc., were on display.

Krishna is the child not only of Nandaraja and Yashoda but the entire hamlet of Nandagokula.

His daily chores included toppling pots of curds in one house, robbing an entire day's stock of butter at another, tugging the veil off a shy lady and multitude other escapades while creating chaos with both human and simian friends.

Not a day passed for Yashoda without getting embarrassed by the complaints of her lalla's mischiefs.

Inspite of being a menace in the neighbourhood, the hyperactive kid was loved dearly by one and all.

If he skipped visiting a house, next day a gaudy display of butter filled pots would be arranged to lure the darling thief...

Even after thousands of years since birth of Sri Krishna, Indians venerate him as a child, youth, lover, husband, friend, teacher, statesman, philosopher and God.


His birthday is a time to celebrate at millions of households across the country.

At the strike of midnight on the eighth dark day of Shravana, rapturous applause of joy raises from households who are celebrating the avatara of Krishna.

Every region in India has a unique way of celebrating Janmashtami.

Every year this tradition of giving birth to Krishna is enacted in households across Gangetic plains of India.

Next day, favourite dishes of the dark and handsome lord are prepared and offered, a sumptuous feast follows.
All hearts pine for the lilting strains from his flute...

Everyone, including cows and other domesticated animals long for a glimpse of young Mukunda's smiling visage.

In Iyengar households like ours, a small crib is created having an idol of infant krishna in a cradle, to whose canopy are tied fruits and umpteen sweets and savouries which are lovingly prepared for the divine toddler.  This is called the "Phalavastra" or dress of fruits.

A trail of little footprints are drawn or painted on floor from outside to the crib specially set up for Krishna. These footprints act as beacons to the Lord of Vrindavana to enter the house and partake the love, worship and feast prepared for him.

Rashmi, my daughter, poses by a large Krishna idol, surrounded by many other decor accessories..

Since Krishna loves butter, it is common to celebrate with pots of butter painted in bright colors..





















In a corner, were a group of villages playing dice with Krishna, and the big Krishna idol on the left in this picture holding butter in his hand, was mounted on a rotating platform.

Seen here are idols of his beloved devotee Princess Meera of Rajasthan..

Here is the website to Ramsons Gallery.  They will be shortly hosting a Lamp exhibition, with hundreds of types of lamps from all over India on display.  It has been a popular annual event here in Mysore, and I intend to visit it this year.  Keep checking my blog, for my posting on this later!