Janmashtami
(This year Janmashtami is on Wed, 6 Sept, 2023 – Thu, 7 Sept, 2023)
Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, an important deity in Hinduism. Lord Krishna is considered to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is revered for his teachings and divine actions. Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (usually in August or September).
The Story behind the Celebration:
The celebration of Janmashtami is based on the life and miraculous deeds of Lord Krishna, as narrated in the ancient Hindu texts like the Bhagavata Purana and the Mahabharata.
According to the legend, Lord Krishna was born in the city of Mathura to King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki. At the time of Krishna's birth, Devaki's brother, the tyrannical King Kansa, had been foretold that he would be killed by the eighth child of his sister. Hence, he imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and killed their seven children as soon as they were born.
According to the legend, Lord Krishna was born in the city of Mathura to King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki. At the time of Krishna's birth, Devaki's brother, the tyrannical King Kansa, had been foretold that he would be killed by the eighth child of his sister. Hence, he imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and killed their seven children as soon as they were born.
However, when Krishna was born, divine interventions occurred to protect him. On the night of his birth, Vasudeva carried the infant Krishna across the river Yamuna to Gokul, where he was placed under the care of Nanda and Yashoda, a cowherd couple. Meanwhile, in the prison, a baby girl was born to Yashoda and Nanda, whom they named Yogmaya.
Krishna grew up in Gokul, where he performed many divine feats and playful miracles known as "leelas." He stole butter from the homes of Gopis (cowherd women), played the flute to mesmerize people and cows, and lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from heavy rainfall. He also played a crucial role in the epic Mahabharata as the charioteer and guide to Arjuna, imparting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Preparations for Janmashtami begin weeks in advance, and the day itself is filled with various rituals, prayers, and festivities. Here is a detailed overview of how Janmashtami is celebrated:
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on this day to purify their minds and bodies, and to show their devotion to Lord Krishna. The fasting period may vary from individuals, with some abstaining from food and water for the entire day until midnight when Krishna is believed to have been born. Others may follow a partial fast, consuming only fruits, milk, and other light foods.
- Pujas and Rituals: Devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and participate in elaborate pujas (ritual worship) throughout the day. Priests perform special rituals, including bathing the idol of baby Krishna with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar), followed by Abhishekam (ritual bathing) with holy water, offering flowers, and other sacred items. Devotees may also offer various delicacies and sweets, such as butter, milk, fruits, and jaggery, to the deity as a sign of their love and devotion.
- Bhajans and Kirtans: Temples and homes resonate with the sounds of devotional songs, bhajans, and kirtans that glorify Lord Krishna's divine qualities and his leelas (playful activities). Singing and chanting the various names of Krishna create a spiritual ambiance, and it is believed that doing so brings joy and blessings to the participants.
- Midnight Celebrations: The actual moment of Lord Krishna's birth is believed to have occurred at midnight. Temples are beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and festive decorations. As the clock strikes twelve, conch shells are blown, bells are rung, and the atmosphere becomes vibrant with the joyous celebration of Krishna's birth. The idol of baby Krishna is adorned with new clothes and jewelry, and devotees often engage in aarti (circumambulation with lamps) while singing devotional songs.
- Dahi Handi: In many parts of India, especially in Maharashtra, the tradition of Dahi Handi takes place. It is a reenactment of one of Krishna's famous childhood activities of stealing butter. A clay pot filled with buttermilk, curd, and other milk products is hung high above the ground, and teams of young men form human pyramids to reach and break the pot. This event symbolizes the unity, teamwork, and camaraderie that Krishna's childhood antics fostered among his friends and devotees.
- Rasleela Performances: In some regions, especially in the northern states of India, traditional Rasleela performances are organized. These folk dances depict the love-filled and divine dance of Lord Krishna with his beloved Gopis (cowherd maidens). The Rasleela narrates the various episodes of Krishna's time in Vrindavan and symbolizes the soul's longing for union with the divine.
- Reading and Listening to Scriptures: Throughout the day, devotees may gather in temples or homes to read and listen to passages from sacred scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, which recount the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. These readings are followed by discussions and spiritual discourses.
Janmashtami is not only an occasion of religious significance but also a time of cultural festivities, joy, and togetherness. It promotes the spirit of love, devotion, and spirituality among people, regardless of age, caste, or social status. The festival creates an atmosphere of goodwill and unity, as devotees come together to celebrate the birth of their beloved Lord Krishna.
