Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated this Monday. For those who don’t know, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in the Indian subcontinent for the birth of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, known as the operator of the world. During his time, Lord Krishna did innumerable things to spread awareness of Dharma (A concept to differentiate between right and wrong). He killed several demons to help humanity. Also, Lord Krishna killed his maternal uncle, Kansa (then king of Mathura), putting an end to his injustice and liberating the people of the Mathura region. Later, he participated in what was known as the biggest battle of the Indian subcontinent, Mahabharata. At the starting of the Mahabharata battle, Lord Krishna preached to a warrior Arjun. Those sermons were later known as the Bhagwad Geeta, the essence of Dharma.
About Krishna Janmashtami Celebration
The word Janmashtami is a combination of two words, Janma and Ashtami. In the Sanskrit language, Janma means birth, and Ashtami means the eighth day of the fifteen-day cycle in Hindu astrology. So, the word Janmashtami literally means the birth on the eighth day of that cycle. So, the Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month. As for the Gregorian calendar, Krishna Janmashtami falls in August or September.
The biggest celebration happens in Mathura, where thousands of people gather for the rituals. According to mythology, Lord Krishna was born as the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudev in the prison of Mathura at midnight. So, in celebration, the rituals of birth usually start at midnight every year. People fast for the day and break it after the birth rituals at midnight. Devotees decorate Lord Krishna’s idols with flowers and peacock feathers (mor pankh). They also offer maakhan (butter), curd, and milk at the ritual.
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Dahi Handi events are also organized at several places in the country. Devotees decorate the several krishna temples, iskcon temples and their homes. This year Janmashtami will be from 11.59 PM on August-30 till 12.44 AM on 31 August. People can break the fast early in the morning after 5.58 AM this year on 31 August.
Significance of Lord Krishna
In the Hindu religion, Lord Krishna is one of the most cherished gods. Some innumerable people have devoted their whole life to the service of Lord Krishna. The Bhagwad Geeta is cherished across the globe as it tells the essence of life. People enjoy the stories of Lord Krishna and try to find meanings even in small things. Lord Krishna describes greatness in every way. Whether it is the legendary sermons of the Bhagwad Geeta or the politics he played in the Mahabharata battle, the significance he left is still inspiring the generations.
