What is Janmashtami?

Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the eighth day in the dark fortnight of the Bhadrapada month, roughly signifying a period between the August-September months. The name of the festival thus comes from “Janma,” meaning birth, and “Ashtami,” which signifies the eighth day. The other significance of eight here is that Lord Krishna is believed to be the eighth child of his mother, Devaki, in the famous legend.

This festival is celebrated on a large scale in the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places significantly known from Krishna’s childhood.

What is the significance of Janmashtami?

According to Hindu epics, Lord Krishna is often considered the Lord of love, tenderness and compassion. The stories of his childhood give us a hearty insight on his mischievous pranks and almighty powers.

According to the legend, Kansa, Queen Devaki’s brother, had heard a prophecy that the birth of his sister’s eighth child, aka Lord Krishna, was to end and destroy him. To stop this from happening, he tried to eliminate Krishna as soon as he was born but remained unsuccessful as King Vasudeva had crossed the Yamuna river with Lord Krishna and safely dropped him at Gokul, where Lord Krishna eventually grew up in.

According to Mahabharata, Lord Krishna is considered Arhuna’s charioteer in the Kurukshetra war. He kept Arjuna’s allegiance with Dharma.

Thus, as the protector of Dharma and the destroyer of the Ardhama, Lord Krishna’s birth is joyously celebrated all around the nation.

How is it celebrated?

The celebrations start at the peak of dawn. Although not mandatory, many people start a full-day fast from then and break it at midnight (traditionally when Lord Krishna was born) after the essential puja is also over. The images and idols of Lord Krishna are cleaned, washed in milk and water and dressed beautifully in new attire. Kirtan can be heard everywhere and incense sticks are lit. Many scriptures are read, and the stories of Lord Krishna’s childhood are read, heard, and/or performed. And of course, we cannot miss out on the feast that is often prepared.

Alters are decorated and “Hare Krishna” mantras are often chanted and the Nishita Puja is finally performed around midnight.

After food is served and relished by Lord Krishna, the rest is served to his devotees, be it at home or in a temple like the Prasad.

In many households and temples, the atmosphere and set up of Mathura is often made along with the Yamuna to create the atmosphere and represent the space Lord Krishna was brought up in. The puja space is often carefully decorated with leaves and flowers, and sometimes they extend all over the house and entrance, and the same goes for temples.

Dahi Handi is prepared and organized. It is an event where people made giant human pyramids, and one person, representing Krishna climbs up to break the pots of milk and white butter. This activity is itself a representation of Lord Krishna’s childhood mischief.

Janmashtami is also celebrated with friends and families gathering together and singing and dancing in groups!