Legends and Lore of Krishna’s Braj

Braj is the land of Krishna’s birth and childhood. Although towns and cities have replaced the verdant forests, hills, hamlets, streams and ponds of Braj, even today the cities of Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul and Barsana resonate with the beauty and romance of a bygone age. An age when Krishna, his playmates and his consort Radha gave Braj its unique place in the historical and cultural consciousness of the country.

Legends and Lore of Krishna’s Braj transports the reader to the streets and alleys of Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana. Peppered with lively anecdotes and personal experiences, the book captures the sights, sounds, fragrance and flavours of the colourful Lathmar Holi of Barsana, the flower-scented temple of Banke Bihari of Vrindavan, the myriad shops filled with shimmering multicoloured clothes for the brass idols of Krishna, and the delectable chaat shops that line the temple streets. The author offers tantalising glimpses into the faith of the countless pilgrims and devotees that has kept alive tales that seem to challenge reason and logic.

The book also highlights the enormous cultural influence that Krishna’s Braj wields: dohas and poems in Hindi, English, Urdu, Bhojpuri and Brajbhasha, classical and folk music, literature, dance, paintings, and the vibrant festivals all celebrate the motif of Krishna in the minds and hearts of the people of India.

Juhi Sinha:

Juhi Sinha is a filmmaker and author. She runs her own production house and has written, produced and directed programmes that have been telecast on both Doordarshan and satellite channels and have been screened at film festivals in India and abroad. Besides writing articles for leading newspapers and magazines in India, she has written for children, (Scholastic India) as well as several short stories for general readership, which have won international acclaim. Her last book Beyond the Dunes Journeys in Rajasthan was published by Penguin India in 2007.