MUMBAI: On the occasion of Janmashtami, actor Manmohan Tiwari who is currently seen in Mishri and Gehna: Zevar Ya Zanjeer, takes a moment to reminisce about his deeply rooted connection to the festival and his upbringing in the spiritual city of Rishikesh.
Born in Rishikesh, a city revered for its divine atmosphere, Manmohan's childhood was immersed in religious traditions and celebrations. "Rishikesh, in itself, is a divine land. Any festival, whether related to Lord Ram or Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva, is celebrated on a grand scale," Tiwari shared with a nostalgic smile.
His connection to these festivals was more personal than most, as he was born in a temple where his grandfather served as the head priest. "Since I was born in a temple, and my grandfather used to be the head priest, our temple had closed displays. In our childhood, I used to be Lord Krishna, and all my siblings played some role or the other," he recalled. These roles were not just about acting; they were a reflection of the deep spiritual ties that bound his family and the community.
The actor fondly remembered the days leading up to Janmashtami, where he and his siblings would visit various temples, eager to see the vibrant displays before participating in their own temple's celebrations. "Whenever we used to become Lord Krishna or other characters early on, we wouldn't get the opportunity to go out and see the displays of other temples because each temple would have something or the other going on," he said, describing the bustling atmosphere of the city during the festival. The actor also highlighted the tradition of going barefoot during these visits, a practice that connected him more deeply with the sacred ground of Rishikesh.
One of the most cherished memories for Manmohan is the sense of community that Janmashtami fostered. "All the friends would gather, and all the siblings would come together to celebrate Janmashtami. At midnight, an offering of Panjiri was made, which we would eat. These are beautiful memories," he shared, emphasizing the unity and devotion that the festival brought to his life.
In today's digital age, Manmohan acknowledges the shift in how festivals like Janmashtami are celebrated. "I believe that these days, all the festivals are celebrated on Instagram," he noted. However, he remains optimistic about the role of modern technology in preserving the essence of these traditions. "Even if we go to the temple to take photos or make blogs, somewhere God has created these mediums. I believe that every medium is created by Him, so if for any reason we stay close to God, worship Him, and remember Him, I consider all these reasons good."
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