Krishna Janmashtami Festival : Celebration, History & Significance
🌺 Krishna Janmashtami – Birth of Lord Krishna
Introduction:
Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is considered the god of love, compassion, and protection.
When it is celebrated:
- Celebrated on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) according to the Hindu calendar.
- The festival usually falls at midnight, the believed time of Krishna’s birth.
Why it is celebrated:
- Krishna was born to protect dharma (righteousness), destroy evil (represented by King Kansa), and spread the message of love and devotion.
- The festival reminds people of the values of truth, devotion, and justice taught by Lord Krishna.
How it is celebrated:
- Fasting and Prayers:
- Devotees observe fasts and offer prayers until midnight, when Lord Krishna was born.
- Midnight Celebrations:
- At temples, Krishna’s idol is placed in a cradle and decorated beautifully. Devotional songs (bhajans) are sung.
- Jhanki (Tableaux):
- Scenes from Krishna’s childhood, like stealing butter (Makhan Chor), lifting Govardhan Hill, and playing the flute, are displayed.
- Dahi Handi (Maharashtra & North India):
- Youth form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high, symbolizing Krishna’s love for butter and milk products.
- Ras Leela (Dance Drama):
- In Mathura, Vrindavan, and other parts of India, people perform dramas and dances depicting Krishna’s life.
Significance:
- Teaches the values of faith, devotion, and righteousness.
- Symbol of victory of good over evil.
- Inspires people to live with joy, kindness, and compassion.
Global Celebration:
While celebrated grandly in Mathura, Vrindavan, Dwarka, and Maharashtra, Janmashtami is also observed worldwide by devotees, especially at ISKCON temples across the USA, UK, Russia, and many other countries.
✨ In short: Krishna Janmashtami is the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, observed with fasting, prayers, bhajans, Dahi Handi, and Ras Leela, reminding us that love and goodness always defeat evil.