English
Hathi Ghoda Paal Ki Jai Kanhaiya Laal Ki! The echoes of such chants acquire the room as the day of Lord Krishna arrives. Janmashtami or Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals that is celebrated with great fervour special in northern region. Dahi Handi or overnight bhajan and aartis, the celebration of the god is done with utmost devotion.
This year, the birth of the Lord Krishna will be celebrated on August 26 2024. The exact date and time of Janmashtami vary each year, as it is determined according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. This year, the festival will be celebrated on the Ashtami tithi (eighth lunar day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada. According to the Drik Panchang the following the tithi for the celebration:
The precise time of Lord Krishna’s birth is believed to be at midnight on this day. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and break it after midnight, marking the auspicious moment of Krishna’s birth.
Krishna Janmashtami holds immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus. It celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, who is believed to have descended to Earth to restore dharma (righteousness) and vanquish evil.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva, who were imprisoned by King Kansa, Devaki’s brother. Kansa had been warned by a prophecy that Devaki’s eighth child would be his downfall. To prevent this, Kansa tried to kill all of Devaki’s children. However, Krishna was born in the night when it was raining cats and dogs. There was a storm but it is said that the gates of the prison opened miraculously and Vasudev carried the little baby in a basket.
Vasudev and Krishna, under the protection of Shesh Naag crossed the river Yamuna which was otherwise roaring and fierce. He reached Gokul and entrusted the baby with Yashoda and Nandaraja.
Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. Devotees observe a fast, decorate their homes with flowers and lights, and perform special pujas (worship rituals) at temples and homes. Dahi Handi is a popular tradition in Maharashtra, where young men form human pyramids to break a pot filled with buttermilk, symbolizing Krishna’s mischievous nature.
Beyond the rituals and celebrations, Krishna Janmashtami embodies the teachings of Lord Krishna, which emphasise love, compassion, righteousness, and the triumph of good over evil. It serves as a reminder to live a life of virtue, to overcome challenges with courage and resilience, and to always strive for spiritual growth.
As we celebrate Krishna Janmashtami in 2024, let us remember the teachings of Lord Krishna and strive to embody his virtues in our daily lives.
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