Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana (August/September) and is particularly popular in the northern and western states of India, as well as in Nepal. The festival is marked by fasting, devotion, and celebrations, including the recitation of prayers and the singing of devotional songs, as well as the staging of plays and enactments of scenes from Lord Krishna’s life. It is also a time for the giving of gifts, the sharing of sweets, and the performance of religious rituals.
Why it is celebrated for 2 days?
Krishna Janmashtami is typically celebrated for two days in many parts of India and Nepal. The first day is known as “Sri Krishna Jayanti” or “Janmashtami” and marks the actual birthday of Lord Krishna. On this day, devotees observe fasts, recite prayers, sing devotional songs, and perform religious rituals in temples and homes to honor Lord Krishna. On this day, many temples also hold special pujas and abhishekams (a ritual of bathing the deity with milk and other items).
The second day is known as “Rohini” or “Gokulashtami” and marks the day when Lord Krishna was discovered by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda. On this day, devotees visit temples and homes, sing and dance in the streets, and participate in processions and re-enactments of scenes from Lord Krishna’s life. It is also a day of giving and sharing, many people will distribute sweets, fruits, and clothes among the poor and needy.
It is believed that by observing the festival for two days, devotees can attain greater blessings and spiritual benefits from Lord Krishna. It also allows more time for people to participate in the various religious and cultural activities associated with the festival, such as fasting, singing, and dancing.
The story behind Krishna Janmashtami
The story behind Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Janmashtami, is rooted in Hindu mythology. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, a city in northern India, to Vasudeva and Devaki, who was then imprisoned by their tyrant uncle, King Kansa.
It is believed that Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, incarnated as Lord Krishna to restore the balance of good and evil and to guide humanity toward the path of righteousness.
As per the legend, Lord Vishnu told Vasudeva, that Devaki’s 8th son will be the one who will kill King Kansa, and save him, he should take the baby to Gokul and handover him over to his friend Nanda and his wife Yasoda, who will raise him as their own. On the night of Lord Krishna’s birth, Vasudeva secretly carried the baby to Gokul, crossing the flooded Yamuna river with the help of divine intervention. He exchanged the baby with Yasoda’s newborn baby girl.
Krishna grew up in Gokul, where he performed many miracles, such as lifting the Govardhan Hill and defeating demons sent by King Kansa to kill him. Eventually, he returned to Mathura and killed King Kansa, fulfilling the prophecy and restoring peace and justice to the kingdom.
The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna and to honor his divine actions and teachings. It is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm, with many people visiting temples, singing and dancing in the streets, and participating in processions and re-enactments of scenes from Lord Krishna’s life.
Janmashtami | celebration, date, India, history, and facts
Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered to be one of the most beloved and revered deities in Hinduism. He is believed to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who incarnated on Earth to restore the balance of good and evil and to guide humanity toward the path of righteousness.
The date of Janmashtami varies every year and usually falls in August or September according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It is celebrated on the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.
The festival is widely celebrated across India, particularly in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. It is also celebrated in Nepal, and among the Hindu diaspora around the world.
The history of Janmashtami dates back to ancient times, and Lord Krishna is believed to have lived and performed many of his miracles in the Dwapara Yuga (one of the four yugas in Hinduism). The festival is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts such as the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, which are considered to be key scriptures in Hinduism.
Facts about the festival include:
- The festival is celebrated for 2 days, the first day is known as “Sri Krishna Jayanti” or “Janmashtami” and marks the actual birthday of Lord Krishna, the second day is known as “Rohini” or “Gokulashtami” and marks the day when Lord Krishna was discovered by his foster parents.
- 2. Many devotees observe a fast on the day of Janmashtami, breaking it only after the evening puja (worship) or at midnight when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born.
- The festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, with many people visiting temples and homes, singing and dancing in the streets, and participating in processions and re-enactments of scenes from Lord Krishna’s life.
- Dahi Handi is a popular activity on Janmashtami, particularly in the state of Maharashtra. It is a game where a clay pot filled with curd, butter, and other sweets is hung high up, and young men form a human pyramid to try and break it.
- The festival is also celebrated as a way to honor and pay tribute to Lord Krishna and his teachings.
Rules of Krishna Janmashtami
The rules and customs associated with observing Krishna Janmashtami can vary depending on regional and personal traditions, but some common practices include:
Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on the day of Janmashtami, breaking it only after the evening puja (worship) or at midnight when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born.
Puja and Aarti: Temples and homes are decorated and special pujas are performed to honor Lord Krishna on Janmashtami. Aarti, a Hindu ritual of lighting lamps and offering prayers, is also performed.
Recitation of prayers and singing of devotional songs: Many devotees recite prayers and sing devotional songs to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami, as a way to honor him and to come closer to God.
Dahi Handi: Dahi Handi is a popular activity on Janmashtami, particularly in the state of Maharashtra. It is a game where a clay pot filled with curd, butter, and other sweets is hung high up, and young men form a human pyramid to try and break it.
Distribution of Prasad: Many devotees will distribute prasad, a sacred food offering, among the devotees after the puja.
Giving and Sharing: On Janmashtami, many people give and share sweets, fruits, and clothes among the poor and needy.
It is important to note that the above are common practices and may vary in different regions and communities. Additionally, observing these rules is not mandatory for everyone, it is a personal choice and depends on individual beliefs and practices.
Krishna Janmashtami 2023
Krishna Janmashtami for the year 2023 is celebrated or observed on Wednesday, September 6.