This day marks the birth of the most loved God among Hindus, Lord Krishna (the most powerful incarnation of Lord Vishnu) in the ‘Dwapar Yug’ almost 5000 years ago. He was born in the holy city of ‘Mathura’. This festival is celebrated on the eighth day or Ashtami Tithi of ‘Krishna Paksh’ of the ‘Bhadrapada’ month, according to Hindu Calendar or the August-September month in the Gregorian calendar. People observe fast the whole day, chant Krishna mantras, do plays showing Krishna’s childhood days etc. The ritual of ‘Dahi Handi’ is also observed in the western part of the country, where teams of young men form human pyramids to break high hanging pots, to symbolize the naughtiness of Lord Krishna.
What is the story behind celebrating ‘Janmashtami’?
Lord Krishna is the eighth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. The folklore says that the city of ‘Mathura’ was in a miserable state as the king ‘Kansa’ imprisoned his own sister, ‘Devki’ and brother in law ‘Vasudev’ as on their wedding day, a divine prophecy proclaimed that their eighth son will kill Kansa. Infuriated by this Kansa proceeded to kill his sister but was assured by ‘Vasudeva’ that he will hand over all his sons to him. Kansa killed their six sons and the seventh one ’Balram’ was saved due to divine intervention. Lord Krishna was born as the eighth so. On the birth of the Lord, the time itself stopped for a while as ‘Vasudev’ took Krishna to his friend Nand’s house in Gokul. He crossed the mighty Yamuna and exchanged Nand’s daughter with Krishna. Lord Krishna then grew up at Nand and Yashoda’s household and killed the evil king Kansa later on in his life. He then sat on the throne and also played a crucial part in the great war of Mahabharata.
How is the festival of Janmashtami celebrated?
Krishna devotees all over the world observe fast and recite the teachings of their deity in temples. His teachings in the form of ‘Shlokas’ from Bhagvad Geeta are retold for people to gather wisdom. Re-enactment of Lord Krishna’s childhood memories are depicted. Small children are dressed like Krishna and Radha. Various Krishna temples are decorated and ‘Maha Aarti’ is performed at midnight along with conch shells marking the birth of Lord Krishna. The idol of baby Krishna is offered ‘Makhan’ (butter) and ‘Mishri’(sugar cubes) and tulsi leaves as ‘prasadam’ offered to the deity.
How to perform ‘Janmashtami Pooja’?
The devotee should first bathe the idols of Radha and Krishna with ‘Panchamrit’. (A mixture of milk, butter, ghee, honey and curd).
Adorn the idols with beautiful, vibrant clothes, jewelery, garlands, flute and ‘Morpankh’.
Apply some scent and light incense sticks to seek blessings from the deities.
Reciting the famous ‘Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare’ mantra 108 times.
Offer Tulsi Leaves to the deity as these are considered most pious and loving to the lord.
A lot of people observe fast this day and eat in the evening after offering the meal to Lord Krishna. Hey Krishna Karuna Sindhu Deenbandhu Jagat Patey, Gopesh Gopika Kantam Radha Kantam Namostotey! Shri Radha Krishnaabhyam Namah!
