Janmashtami 2024 - Monday, 26 August

This is one of the famous songs that people sing on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna the eighth avatar (Incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. The festival usually falls in August or September, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu calendar.

This religious festival is celebrated all over India in August/September on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the eighth day in the month of Bhadon according to the Hindu calendar with great devotion and zeal. Janmashtami is also known as Gokulashtami, Krishnasthami, and Srijayanti.

The Janmashtami of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Lord Krishna had spent his childhood, are famous all over the world. Devotees from across the world come to these pious places to celebrate Janmasthami. On this auspicious occasion, temples and homes are beautifully decorated and illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious hymns are sung in temples. The priests chant holy mantras and bath the idol with Panchamrit which comprises of Gangajal (water from the holy Ganges River), milk, ghee (clarified butter), curd, and honey pouring all these from a conch shell. After this bath the idol of the infant Krishna (also known as Balmukund) is placed in a cradle. Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over Northern India.
Celebrations and Traditions

Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India and in Hindu communities worldwide. The celebrations include:

1. Fasting and Feasting: Devotees observe a day-long fast, which is broken at midnight, the time believed to be the birth time of Lord Krishna. Special foods and sweets like Makhan (butter), curd, and sweets made from milk are prepared and offered.

2. Bhajans and Kirtans: Devotional songs and hymns (bhajans and kirtans) are sung in praise of Lord Krishna. Many temples and households organize special programs where devotees gather to sing and chant the names and glories of Krishna.

3. Dahi Handi: In Maharashtra and some other parts of India, the festival includes the popular event of Dahi Handi, where a clay pot filled with curd, butter, and other dairy products is hung high, and teams form human pyramids to break it. This symbolizes Krishna's love for butter and his playful nature.

4. Ras Leela and Plays: The life and exploits of Krishna are depicted through Ras Leela (dance-dramas) and plays, especially focusing on his childhood pranks, his youth spent with the Gopis (milkmaids), and his role in the epic Mahabharata.

5. Temple Decorations: Temples dedicated to Krishna are beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and rangolis. Special pujas and abhishekas (ritual baths) are performed.

6. Midnight Celebrations: The highlight of Janmashtami is the midnight celebration, marking the birth of Krishna. The idol of Krishna is placed in a cradle, and devotees gather to sing and celebrate his arrival.

7. Swinging of Krishna: In some regions, small cradles are placed in homes and temples, and the idol of baby Krishna is placed in them and gently swung by devotees, symbolizing his birth.

The temples especially in Vrindavan witness an extravagant and colorful celebration on this occasion. Raslila is performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha.
Celebrations

1. Fasting (Upavasa):

   • Devotees observe a fast, often abstaining from grains and consuming only fruits, milk, and water. The fast is broken at midnight, the believed time of Krishna's birth.

2. Midnight Vigils:

   • Devotees stay awake until midnight, engaging in prayer and singing devotional songs. Temples and homes are filled with the sound of bhajans and kirtans.

3. Jhulanotsav:

   • Swings (jhulas) are decorated with flowers, and an idol of baby Krishna is placed in them. Devotees take turns to gently swing the cradle, symbolizing the joy of Krishna's birth.

4. Ras Leela and Dramas:

   • Performances depicting the life and exploits of Krishna, especially his childhood and youth, are staged. These include the famous Ras Leela, where dancers enact the playful and loving interactions of Krishna with the Gopis.

5. Dahi Handi:

   • Particularly popular in Maharashtra, teams form human pyramids to break a high-hanging pot of curd, butter, and other dairy products. This event mimics Krishna's childhood exploits of stealing butter.

6. Temple Celebrations:

   • Temples are decorated with flowers, lights, and rangolis. Special pujas and abhishekas (ritual baths) are performed. The deity is often adorned with new clothes and jewelry.

7. Devotional Singing and Chanting:

   • Continuous recitation of Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana, and other scriptures takes place. Devotional singing and chanting create a spiritual atmosphere.

8. Community Feasts:

   • After the midnight puja, prasadam (blessed food) is distributed among devotees. Special dishes and sweets made of milk are prepared, such as kheer, peda, and makhan mishri.

श्रीकृष्ण जन्माष्टमी के बारे में मंत्र, पूजा और कथा हिंदी में पढ़िये, क्लिक करें