Janmashtami Joy: Deepika Singh Shares Her Love for Krishna and Childhood Jhaankis

There’s something magical about Janmashtami—the colors, the energy, and of course, the playful stories of little Krishna that never fail to warm hearts. For COLORS’ star Deepika Singh, who plays Mangal in the popular show Mangal Lakshmi, this festival has always held a special place in her life. From her childhood days in Delhi to her current celebrations in Mumbai, Deepika’s love for Krishna and the Janmashtami spirit has only grown deeper with time.

Recounting her early memories, Deepika fondly recalls crafting jhaankis (tableaux) with her siblings. "We would shop for miniature toys, shape clay into Krishna’s leelas, and proudly present our work to everyone who visited," she shares. The joy of turning her home into a mini Vrindavan with her family remains one of her favorite childhood memories.

Now in Mumbai, while the setting may have changed, the spirit hasn't. Every year, Deepika attends Dahi Handi events organized by an NGO for underprivileged children. “Cheering them on and handing over the trophy feels just as exciting as winning it myself,” she says with a smile. And at home, their Thakur ji (Lord Krishna idol) is lovingly adorned by her devrani, making the atmosphere all the more festive.

Though her tight schedule shooting for Mangal Lakshmi leaves her with little spare time, Deepika has kept her tradition of performing an Odissi dance for Krishna alive for the last ten years. “This year, I’ll try to record a dance whenever I can steal a moment,” she adds. With Mangal Lakshmi being embraced by audiences, she believes it’s Krishna’s blessing in action. For Deepika, Janmashtami isn’t just a festival—it’s about love, devotion, and celebrating the divine in the everyday.