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Krishna Janmashtami: Celebrating Lord Krishna’s Birth

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Krishna Janmashtami: Celebrating Lord Krishna’s Birth

Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival to honor the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This day is filled with happiness, dedication, and many rituals that bring people together to celebrate. 


Why is Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated? 

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, a central figure in Hindu mythology. Krishna was born over 5,000 years ago during a time when the world was facing many troubles. His birth took place on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August.

The story of Krishna’s birth is both inspiring and exciting. Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell in Mathura, where they were imprisoned by Devaki’s brother, King Kansa. Kansa was afraid of a prophecy that said Devaki’s eighth child would be the one to destroy him. To prevent this, Kansa killed each of Devaki’s children as soon as they were born. However, when Krishna was born, with the help of divine powers, his father Vasudeva managed to secretly carry him across the Yamuna River in a basket to a village called Vrindavan. There, Krishna was raised by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda, who kept him safe from all dangers.

Krishna’s life is filled with amazing stories that teach important lessons about love, justice, and righteousness. His birth is celebrated as a victory of good over evil.


When is Krishna Janmashtami in 2081/2024? 

According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Krishna Janmashtami occurs on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). Krishna Janmashtami (2024) will fall on August 26, the 10th of Bhadra. One of the main rituals of Krishna Janmashtami is celebrating his birth at midnight. Devotees fast all day and stay awake late into the night singing bhajans and praying. At midnight, it is believed that Krishna was born, so devotees break their fast by sharing food, sweets, and gifts. Temples are decorated for this grand midnight celebration on Janmashtami.


How is it celebrated? 

 People in Nepal and other places around the world enjoy Krishna Janmashtami with a lot of devotion and joy. The celebrations are different in each area, but some common practices include:

  • Fasting: On Krishna Janmashtami, many people fast as a devotional practice. At midnight, after offering special prayers, they break their fast. 


  • Midnight Celebrations: The most important part of the celebration happens at midnight, the time Krishna is believed to have been born. Temples and homes are decorated, and a small idol of baby Krishna is placed in a cradle and worshipped.


  • Dahi Handi: In some parts of India, especially in Maharashtra, a fun event called Dahi Handi takes place. Young men form human pyramids to reach and break a pot filled with curd, which is hung high above the ground. This tradition recreates the playful nature of young Krishna, who loved to steal butter.


  • Bhajans and Kirtans: People sing devotional songs and perform dances to celebrate Krishna’s life. Temples often organize special kirtan sessions and dramatic reenactments of Krishna's life, known as Ras Lila.


  • Prayers and Offerings: In addition to performing different practices, Krishna's devotees give him flowers, fruits, and sweets. A holy Hindu scripture called the Bhagavad Gita is often read during the events.


  • Krishna Costume: With a peacock feather crown and a flute, kids often dress up as Lord Krishna.



Facts about Lord Krishna

  • An Avatar of Vishnu: Krishna is considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who came to Earth to restore balance and protect the righteous.


  • Teacher of the Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that describes a discourse between Krishna and the warrior prince Arjuna. Krishna is the speaker in this narrative. It is regarded as one of the world's most significant spiritual classics.


  • Symbol of Love: Krishna’s love for Radha is famous and is seen as the purest form of love. Their story is celebrated in many songs and dances.


  • The Flute Player: Krishna is often shown playing flute, which symbolizes his ability to attract and inspire everyone with his divine music.


  • Divine Stories: Krishna’s life is full of stories where he shows his playful, loving, and heroic nature. These stories are called ‘leelas’ and are cherished by people across the world.



Conclusion 

Krishna Janmashtami is more than just a festival; it’s a powerful reminder that good always triumphs over evil and that faith can guide us through the toughest times. The story of Krishna’s birth shows us that no matter how challenging our circumstances, divine help is always there when we need it. His life is full of lessons about love, duty, and living with righteousness lessons that still hold today. 


When we celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, we’re not just participating in rituals. we’re reflecting on these timeless teachings and finding ways to apply them to our own lives. This festival brings people together in a shared spirit of devotion and community, helping us reconnect with our spiritual roots. As we honor Krishna’s birth, let’s carry forward the values of love, kindness, and wisdom, and make an effort to spread joy and goodness wherever we go.

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