Krishna Janmashtami-The birth of God

                                                                                     Krishna Janmashtami-The birth of God

Krishna Janmashtami 2020

Lord Krishna was the son of Devaki and Basudev and Hindus celebrate his birthday as Janmashtami.

At the time of Krishna's birth, there was anarchy, oppression and oppression all around. At that time there was no such thing as human freedom. Evil forces were everywhere.

 Krishna's uncle Kangsa was the enemy of his life. On the night of Krishna's birth in Mathura, his father Basudev crossed the river Jamuna and left him with his foster parents Yashoda and Nanda in Gokul.

                                       The Birth- Krishna Janmashtami

Janmashtami is an important festival for Hindus, especially Vaisnavas. This festival is celebrated in many ways. Such as - dance according to Bhagavata Purana, drama which is called Raslila or Krishna Leela, singing religious songs at the moment of Krishna's birth at midnight, fasting, Dahi Handi etc.Raslila mainly shows various incidents of Lord Krishna's childhood.On the other hand, in the Dahi Handi tradition, butter bones are kept very high and many boys try to break the bones by building a human pyramid. In Tamil Nadu this practice is known as Oriyadi.On this day people go hungry to express their love for Krishna, sing religious songs and fast.At midnight on the birth date of Lord Krishna, his small idols are bathed, wiped with cloth and arranged in a cradle. The worshipers then break the fast by exchanging food and sweets among themselves.Outside the various doors of the house, the housewives draw the footprints of Lord Krishna in the kitchen which is considered to be the journey of Lord Krishna.

                                                           Raslila

This legend is celebrated on the night of Janmashtami. On the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in Shraavana of the Lunar Calendar (August-September), devotees fast (upavasa), sing devotional songs to Krishna and keep vigil at night (ratri jagaran). After the hour of midnight – when Krishna was born – statues of the infant are bathed, clothed and placed in a cradle. Devotees break their fast, sharing sweets and food. Women often draw tiny footprints outside their houses, symbolising the entry of Krishna into their homes and their lives.

However, Janmashtami is not just a celebration of that midnight hour. It is also a celebration of the life of a legend. Krishna continues to play an integral role in millions of lives today. He is a protector, a strategist, a teacher, a brother, a lover, a playful child, a divine being. His time on earth had many significant moments, which are celebrated across India in different ways. The day after the midnight vigil and prayers, the entire country celebrates the festival (mahotsava). Here are some of the different ways in which Janmashtami is celebrated in India.

Maharashtra: In the western part of India i.e. Maharashtra, Janmashtami’s celebrated as Gokulashtami, a fest staging Krishna’s pursuit of his favourite food. ‘Dahi Handi’ events are organised & youths - ‘Govindas’ compete to grab the title by forming human pyramids and breaking the earthen pot filled with curd.

                                                 Matka Tor

Gujarat: While in Gujarat, the same fest is organized with great zeal and enthusiasm, commonly known as Makhan Handi. As Dwarka is believed to be the Lord Krishna’s kingdom, the city envelops itself in holy looks with bhajans, kirtans & sermons suppressing evil & brightening up the air.

                                                     Raslila

Uttar Pradesh: Lord Krishna was born in Mathura aka ‘Krishna Janma Bhoomi’ while he spent his childhood in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. So, swings are made, embellished with flowers & ornaments personifying Krishna’s birth cradle. The showstopper affairs of the moment are Rasleela, Jhanki Pradarshan and Jhulautsav, exhibiting the famous folklore of his adolescent years.

                                                  Raslila

Odisha and West Bengal: Janmashtami Puja in Odia family Dressing up babies as Krishna or Gopis on Janmashtami festival is a popular Hindu tradition.In the eastern state of Odisha, specifically the region around Puri and in Nabadwip, West Bengal, the festival is also referred to as Sri Krishna Jayanti or simply Sri Jayanti.[35][36] People celebrate Janmashtami by fasting and worship until midnight. The Bhagavata Purana is recited from the 10th chapter, a section dedicated to the life of Krishna. The next day is called "Nanda Utsav" or the joyous celebration of Krishna's foster parents Nanda and Yashoda. On this day, people break their fast and offer various cooked sweets after midnight.

                                      Krishna Janmashtami

Manipur: To the far-eastern side of India, Manipur, you could see people immersed in different colours. They celebrate this auspicious day with cultural dance & music programmes - a classical dance form known for its Hindu Vaishnav themes.

                                          Krishna Janmashtami

South India: In Tamil Nadu, Janmashtami’s celebrated by decorating the house, making spectacular patterns of rice batters, ‘Kolams’ and footprints of Lord Krishna from the entering door to the veranda, signifying his arrival. Devotional songs, religious hymns & mantras, are sung, sweet seedai & verkadalai urundai are prepared and offered to the deities.

Other countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica all celebrate Janmashtami, so if you’re in the area, don’t worry about missing out on the festivities. If you’re intrigued by these celebrations or want to travel to a different city to celebrate Janmashtami.