If you are interested to know who is the baby in my banner above, it is my 13 month old son, Varen. Psst, if you would like to know what Varen means, it means greatest of the greatest. It is derived from the word 'Varenyam' in Gayatri Mantra (Tat Savitur Varenyam). :)
Krishna means the all attractive one! And what is more beautiful on the earth than the little children? Every year on Krishnashtami or Janmashtami, which is the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, little kids are dressed up as Lord Krishna to make the celebrations even more special. Here are some tips on how to dress up your little one just like little Krishna himself.
The Basics of Little Krishna costume:
1. Peacock feather - Krishna attire is not complete without this one. You can make your own by painting one or even fake ones are available these days.
2. A plain, silk Dhoti in a vibrant traditional color like yellow, red, or green. White dhotis are also popular but it gives the whole appearance of a saintly, sacred figure. Little Krishna was very mischievous and so try to brighten up the wardrobe rather than make it sober for this occasion.
3. Ornaments - Krishna used to wear pearl and stone decked ornaments. So choose shiny ornaments in pearls and stones, and not just plain gold ones. Kundan jewelry and pearl jewelry are best bets. Make sure they are light weight and don't have sharp edges.
i. Necklaces - a choker necklace, a medium length necklace, and a long chained necklace (Haaram).
ii. Earrings
iii. Bracelet
iv. Arm band/ Bajuband
v. Finger rings
vi. Ankle chain/ Payal
vii. Waist belt/ Kamarband
viii. Head piece or a crown/ Mukut
4. Flute - Lord Krishna's flute tunes could attract not just humans but also flocks of animals just to listen to the soothing, melodious flute. If desired, wrap the flute in colorful and shiny paper, or add embellishments at the end of the flute. Decorate as you wish.
5. Liquid bindi and Alta - In the ancient times, bindi or kumkum was adorned by men and women alike. In fact, various designs were adorned which had symbolic meanings. Lord Krisha wore a religious Namam. For any reason, you wish not to replicate a Namam (like myself), go ahead and adorn your little ones forehead with colorful bindis or stick on types, which are easier to use. I used my Lakme liquid Sindoor in maroon and Shingar Bhagya white liquid bindi. If you are good at free hand, you could even draw patterns instead of plain dots. Alta is the red liquid that temporarily stains the hands and feet and was a must in the ancient make up routine. It not only kept the hands and feet germ beautiful but also germ free. Just draw outlines on the hands and feet. If desired a simple dot design on the hands and feet will add to the cuteness. I drew a pattern with the same liquid bindis as my little one was allergic to Alta.
6. Hairstyle - If your little one is blessed with ample hair, just make a half ponytail high up in his head. Little Krishna had luxurious curls which was put up in a half ponytail/ bun and was adorned with jewels.
7. Kajal and make up - Kajal is still applied to infants eyes to soothe them and also beautify them as beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. If the baby is accustomed to having Kajal in his/ her eyes, do outline the eyes beautifully with a thin line of kajal. For pink lips and cheeks, use a fresh piece of beetroot for a pink color instead of using cosmetics.
8. Flower Garland / Mala - Even today great people are respected by putting a garland of flowers around their neck. Hindus worship their deities by putting fresh flower garlands on their idols. Hindu Gods and Goddesses are pictured wearing garlands too. Use any fresh flowers which are light weight as a mala (garland). Avoid heavy pollen variety to prevent allergy in small children. I used jasmine garland. Keep garland fresh for the occasion by storing it in the refrigerator.
9. Props - An earthen pot, or some wooden toys, soft toys shaped like birds or cow, etc. An earthen pot is by far the most associated with Little Krishna as the stories of his fondness for butter or makhan are very famous. Wooden toys or bird and cow shaped soft toys can be set up in the background for the photographs as Lord Krishna was a cow herd and he loved to be in the midst of nature.
Tips:
Baby may be fussy and try to remove all the jewelry. Just distract their attention and gently put their hands away. My baby responds well to compliments. Try if it works for you too. Sing or give them a toy to keep their hands busy and occupied.
If baby moves face away making it difficult to put on the bindis, use the stick on ones.
Pre-fasten the Mukut, so you can just out it on their heads like a cap.
If possible, have a mock session by dressing up your baby prior to the occasion or the day before. This will accustom them to having the costume and jewelry on.
Make the dressing up activity fun by singing rhymes to them, make funny faces, playing with them and they will enjoy the process as much and will reward you by being in a good mood after dressing up also. You will get good, smiley pictures! ;)
Never force your child into something they don't enjoy. If your little one objects to dressing up, so be it and he will be the simple Little Krishna!
Pictures:
Please note as these are private pictures, re-produce them thoughtfully. If you do re-produce them elsewhere, I would be flattered and happy if you would leave me a comment or link to it.
Hope you enjoyed.
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