Janmashtami: Birth of Lord Krishna

Janmashtami : Birth of Lord Krishna

AGRITA CHHIBBER

One of the most celebrated holidays in Hinduism is Janmashtami, sometimes referred to as Gokulashtami or Krishna Janmashtami.

In various areas of India, people commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, with great passion and enthusiasm.

What Janmashtami Means
Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day, or Ashtami, of the dark fortnight, or Krishna Paksha, in the month of Bhadrapada, in accordance with the Hindu Lunar Calendar. If dates are to be followed, Janmashtami 2024 is scheduled for August 26 this year. Typically, this occurs in August or September.

Since Lord Krishna is thought to have been born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva more than 5,200 years ago, the day is revered religiously.

yellow and green leafed trees under cloudy sky

The celebration of his birth honours his heavenly purpose of bringing dharma (good) and ending evil. Older folks will tell you that the purpose of Krishna’s birth was to end his maternal uncle King Kansa’s oppressive rule, who attempted to kill him. Krishna’s incredible survival during infancy and boyhood, despite multiple efforts by Kansa, represents the triumph of good over evil.

Two Days Celebration of God’s Birth:

The two-day celebration of Janmashtami is one of its distinctive features. A common question is “why is it so?” The Hindu lunar calendar and Krishna’s birthdate provide the answer.

On the eighth day of Krishna Paksha, or Ashtami tithi, Lord Krishna was born at midnight. The Ashtami tithi may fall on two consecutive days, depending on the time of midnight, because in Hindu tradition, the day is measured from dawn until the next sunrise. As a result, many areas observe Janmashtami for two days, particularly in locations with significant religious significance like Mathura and Vrindavan.

Devotees conduct a daylong fast, offer special prayers, and remain up till midnight, the moment of Krishna’s birth, on the first day. On the next day, which is called Nanda Utsav, devotees break their fast and engage in a variety of happy festivities in remembrance of Krishna’s birth.

Rituals followed on this Auspicious day:

There are many different traditions and rituals associated with Janmashtami celebrations, which showcase India’s rich cultural diversity. Every facet of Janmashtami is full of devotion and delight, from quiet prayers to raucous public displays, from fasting to feasting.

Fasting

On Janmashtami, devotees keep a rigorous fast, refraining from grains and other foods. After the rite of adoring the newborn Krishna, who is carried in a gorgeously decorated swing, the fast is broken only after midnight. To commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, devotees recite slokas, sing bhajans (devotional songs), and offer aartis. An essential component of the festival is the midnight vigil, or Jagran, which represents the devotees’ preparation to receive the heavenly infant into their life.

Temples and Homes Decked Out and Celebrated

Temples and homes are embellished with elaborate rangolis, lights, and flowers. The cradle, or jhoola, is frequently the focal point of homes and temples, and the statues of Lord Krishna are clothed in fresh garb. Particularly well-known for their extravagant decorations and lavish celebrations during Janmashtami are temples such as the ISKCON temples in Delhi and Vrindavan, the Jagannath Temple in Odisha, and Prem Mandir in Vrindavan.

Handi Dahi

The Dahi Handi event, which happens the day after Janmashtami, is one of the liveliest and most thrilling parts of the festival. Maharashtra is a particularly popular state for this culture. Young men build human pyramids to reach and smash a pot (handi) that is held high above the ground and filled with butter or curd, inspired by Lord Krishna’s fondness for butter. This incident, which has earned Krishna the nickname “Makhan Chor” or “Butter Thief,” is symbolic of his light-hearted and mischievous personality.

Celebrations and Cultural Performances in Schools

In addition, Janmashtami is observed in Indian schools, where students dress up as Radha, Lord Krishna, and various figures from Krishna’s life. There are structured dances, plays, and recitations that highlight the story of Krishna’s early life, his celestial adventures, and the lessons he learnt from the Bhagavad Gita.

The Significance of Krishna Janmashtami in Astrology
Without a doubt, the birth narrative of Lord Krishna is immensely captivating and fascinating. He was born in the Rohini Nakshatra of the Asthami tithi, in the waning moon phase, or Krishna Paksha. He was born in the month of Bhadrapada, as per the Hindu calendar. The dates and hours of Sri Krishna Janmashtami are therefore determined by these astrological computations. He is the guardian who prevents adharma and its practitioners from destroying the world.

Krishna killed Kansa as a result of all of his wicked deeds. Therefore, whenever chaos and horror take over the planet, Lord Vishnu takes on multiple incarnations on Earth to re-establish the rule of dharma.

International Krishna Janmashtami Celebration
Nepal: To commemorate Janmashtami, people there fast until midnight and sing religious music while reciting passages from the Bhagavad Gita.

Fiji: Janmashtami is known as “Krishna Ashtami” in Fiji. Hindus gather with their “mandalis” at temples and houses over the course of these eight days.

USA: Janmashtami celebrations begin early in the morning in the United States. The supporters of Hare Krishna troupes organise vibrant festivities and cultural events.

Bangladesh: Janmashtami is celebrated as a national holiday in Bangladesh. On this day, several processions are scheduled.

Singapore: To commemorate Krishna Janmashtami, temples host cultural events. The unique feature of this event is the “Krishna chanting competition.”

26-08-2024

AGRITA CHHIBBER is a Research Scholar and from Jammu

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