Krishna Janmashtami

Many religions of the world have one festival in common; the celebration of the birthdays of their Gods. Each religion based upon their teachings celebrates it differently; they have their own vows, their prayers and other fundamentals of the festival.

Krishna Janmashtami is the celebration of the birthday of Hindu Lord Krishna. It is widely celebrated across the world in the Hindu community. Let’s take a look at some of the basics of this festival; Krishna Janmashtami.

When is Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated

It is celebrated in the month of Bahdra in the Hindu calendar. Ashtami tithi; the eighth day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha is observed as Krishna Janmashtami. According to the Gregorian calendar; it always falls in August or September.

Who Was Lord Krishna

Krishnawas the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva. It is said that theMathurawas ruled by a evil king; Kansa. Devaki was his sister. It was predicted that a son calledKrishnawould be born to Devaki and he would kill Kansa. This enraged Kansa and he, not only killed all the male children of Devaki, but also imprisoned her along with her husband. Since Kansa was to be killed by Lord Krishna, her eighth son, he was born in the midnight. His father managed to save him from the wrath of his maternal uncle and exchanged the child with a female child. Lord Krishna remained hidden until the age of eleven in Gokul and finally killed Kansa.

Observances

Krishna Janmashtami is observed by fasting and prayers around the world but there are other celebrations related to it as well. In many regions, it is celebrated differently.

Dahi Handi

The Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated by breaking the Dahi Handi in many areas likeMaharashtra. Traditionally, a clay pot filled with butter milk is hung much above the ground. Then a group of people make a pyramid by standing on other people’s shoulders and the highest one breaks the pot with a blunt thing, preferably with a coconut. The buttermilk spills over the entire group which symbolizes their unity.

Prayers inTemples

Many people simply go to the temples and pray in the name of Lord Krishna. Huge gatherings are arranged at the temples and people pray individually or in groups.

Idol of Lord Krishna

Krishna Janmashtami is also celebrated by praying the idol of Lord Krishna. The idol is placed at a place especially arranged for the celebrations and many fruits and other foods are offered to the idol, that are believed to be his favorites.

Teachings of Lord Krishna

People revise the teachings of Lord Krishna on the day of Krishna Janmashtami in his remembrance. All his teachings are written in Gita, the holy book of Hinduism. Lord Krishna taught people about the good deeds. He said that one should never tolerate injustice and always fight against it. He who does good deeds throughout his life will get good results for them. What one sows, so shall he reaps! He emphasized on the selflessness because it is the key to the real peace of mind and soul.