Krishna Janmashtami is a grand Hindu religious festival in India to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, the human avatar of God Mahavishnu. It is also known as Gokulashtami Or simply Janmashtami.
Meaning
The word Janmashtami is a Sanskrit term, meaning birth (Janma) on the eighth (Ashtami) day. It signifies the glorious birth of Lord Krishna on the eighth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna paksha), in the month of Bhadrapada. In the Gregorian calendar, Janmashtami usually comes in the months of august-September. Most of the time, Janmashtami is observed in two consecutive days, the first one for smarta sampradaya and the other one for Vaishnava sampradaya.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami is a very important and awaited celebration among the devotees. People observe fast, sing devotional songs, share sweets and hold ceremonies in temples to welcome Krishna to the world.
History of Janmashtami
Lord Krishna was born in Mathura as the son of Vasudeva and Devaki. Devaki's brother, Kamsa, was the king of Mathura. Although Kamsa loved his sister very much, when a prophecy saying that the 8th son of Devaki will stop the evil rule of Kamsa by killing him, he became agitated and imprisoned both Vasudeva and Devaki.
He mercilessly killed the first six children of the couple, and at the time of the birth of the 8th child, which was at midnight, Vasudeva managed to rescue his son from death by secretly giving him to Nand Baba and Yashoda of Vrindavan. He then returned with a baby girl. Myths say that when Kamsa tried to kill the baby, she transformed into goddess Durga and warned Kamsa about his future doom.
Thus the birth and escape of Lord Krishna, who later became the savior of Mathura, and its residents are celebrated on Sree Krishna Janmashtami.
Janmashtami celebrations
Janmashtami is celebrated in different modes and manners among different regions in India. People welcome the destroyer of the evil, Krishna to the world with songs, dance, and happiness.
On the preceding day of Janmashtami, the devotees stay awake, and observe fast until midnight, till the birth time of Krishna. Then the image or idol of Krishna is cleaned, washed in water and milk, and is dressed in new clothes. People then worship the idol wholeheartedly by singing and chanting; welcoming the goodness of Krishna into the world and to their hearts.
Houses and temples are decorated with leaves and flowers. Rangolis are also created in some parts of India. Sweets are made and offered to Krishna, which is later distributed as prasad. Plays and stories are presented, including the elaborate explanation of the birth and transfer of Krishna from Mathura to Vrindavan. People also stage the life story of Krishna, with all the incidents that happened in his life and praising him.
People engage in a fun game of breaking milk pots which are hung from above using a stick or by forming human pyramids, reminiscing the childhood naughtiness of Krishna along with his fellow friends. It is also time for group singing and dancing.
The largest celebration of Krishna Janmashtami is observed in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna was born and brought up. People gather at these places at large volumes and celebrate the birth of their beloved Lord, which brings them a sense of spirituality and strength.
As part of Janmashtami, sweets are made and shared among people, family and friend gatherings occur, and everyone shares joy and happiness mutually.
Thus, the festival of Sree Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most awaited and glorious celebrations for the people of India.
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