JANMASHTAMI




Happy Janmashtmi 


Krishna Janmashtami also called Gokulashtami is a grand festival celebrated all over India to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna was born to destroy Mathura's demon King Kansa, brother of his virtuous mother, Devaki.Krishna is Devaki and Vasudeva Anakadundubhi's son and his birthday is celebrated by Hindus as Janmashtami, particularly those of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition as he is considered the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Krishna is born in an area of chaos. It's a time when persecution was rampant, freedoms were denied, evil was everywhere, and when there was a threat to his life by his uncle King Kansa. Immediately following the birth at Mathura, his father Vasudeva Anakadundubhi takes Krishna across the Yamuna, to foster parents in Gokul, named Nanda and Yashoda. This legend is celebrated on Janmashtami by people keeping fast, singing devotional songs of love for Krishna, and keeping a vigil into the night.

 

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapad.

According to the Gregorian calendar, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in the month of August or September. Shri Krishna Janmashtami date varies every year.Most of the time, Krishna Janmashtami is listed on two consecutive days. The first one is for Smarta Sampradaya and the other one is for Vaishnava Sampradaya.





On the fasting day, devotees take Sankalpa after finishing morning rituals and perform Krishna Puja during Nishita Kaal which is midnight as per Vedic time-keeping.The devotees wash baby Krishan's idol with Pancha Amrit, decorate it with new clothes and ornaments, offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the god and worship him in the cradle. People also hold special Dahi Handi events as Lord Krishna loved Makhan (white butter), curd, and milk.Women draw tiny footprints outside their house doors and kitchen, walking towards their house, a symbolism for Krishna's journey into their homes.

Men and women fast and pray on the occasion of Janmashtami. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated and lit. The temples of Vrindavan, in Uttar Pradesh witness an extravagant and colourful celebration on this occasion. 'Raslila' is performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha. The image of the infant Krishna is bathed at midnight and is placed in a cradle. Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over Northern India.

In Maharashtra, Janmashtami witnesses the exuberant enactment of Krishna's childhood endeavours to steal butter and curd from earthen pots beyond his reach. A matka or pot containing these is suspended high above the ground and groups of young men and children form human pyramids to try and reach the pot and eventually break it.

 

Compiled by Hetika Kathuria


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