The date of Krishna's birthday came around again in Vraja. The festival was announced by the powerful sounds of bheri and pataha drums. Mardala, muraja, and dundubhi drums joined them. Joyful residents of Vraja gathered along the roads. The foremost brahmanas recited mantras. With them they sanctified the water for the ceremonial bathing. The water had been prepared in crystal vessels. Thousands of streams poured from them for Krishna's abhisheka.
Krishna then put on fresh yellow silk. Precious ornaments enhanced the splendor of the occasion. A jeweled bracelet adorned His wrist. Above it was a thread colored with turmeric. Young shoots of durva grass had been tied with the thread. A beautiful gorochana tilaka marked His forehead. Yashoda placed flowers and grains upon His head. In this way the mother lovingly blessed her son.
The women of Vraja sang auspicious songs. They respectfully performed arati for Him. The assembled relatives offered festive gifts. They presented modaka sweets. They also prepared payasa, a sweet milk dish. There were apupa cakes and other suitable foods. After He had been served, lamps were offered again. He then sat upon His ceremonial seat.
Yashoda invited the women of Vraja and their families. The guests included married gopis and unmarried girls. Nanda called the distinguished brahmanas. He also invited the cowherd elders, including Sananda and Upananda. Rohini and the wives of Sananda and Upananda prepared many dishes. When mealtime arrived, attendants were sent to bring the guests again. The cowherd men and women approached to bless Krishna. One by one they offered Him precious necklaces.
The married gopis walked behind their mothers-in-law. Light veils covered their faces. They too respectfully presented their gifts. Dhanya and the other unmarried girls came with their mothers. Although they saw Him every day, Krishna seemed newly revealed to them at the festival. A parrot flew from His side to Radha's feet. Radha eagerly approached it, honoring its connection with Krishna. Krishna recognized Her and sent Her a discreet, gentle glance.
Yashoda then personally led the women to the dining places. Nanda honored the cows with fragrances and garlands. He seated the brahmanas on a veranda adorned with precious stones. Their feet were washed, and arghya was offered to them. Golden vessels had been prepared for their food and drink. Rohini and the wives of Sananda and Upananda served them. They were then honored with garlands, fragrances, betel, clothing, and ornaments. Nanda sat down to eat with Balarama, the elders, and cowherds of different ages.
The gopis and girls sat in two rows, and Yashoda served them herself. She told each one not to feel shy. She fed them according to their wishes. She then gave them clean clothing and precious ornaments. She also honored them with suitable fragrant pastes, sindura, and betel. She embraced each visitor before sending her home. The remaining food was shared with the residents, and Nanda and Yashoda rewarded the performers. When the festival ended, Yashoda felt a moment of sadness and wished such joy could come every day.