JANMASHTAMI CELEBRATING THE DIVINE BIRTH OF LORD KRISHNA

Janmashtami, a significant Hindu festival, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees as it commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of the divine. Observed with great fervour and enthusiasm, Janmashtami is more than just a religious event; it's a celebration of faith, devotion, and the timeless teachings of Lord Krishna. This article delves into the cultural significance of Janmashtami and the various customs associated with this auspicious occasion.

The eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada is observed as Krishna Janmashtami. According to Hindu legend, Krishna was born on this day in the Rohini Nakshatra. This year, Janmashtami will fall on two separate days because Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi fall on the night of Janmashtami, according to Drik Panchang. While Rohini Nakshatra will begin at 9:20 am on 6 September 2023 and end at 10:25 am on September 7, Ashtami Tithi will begin at 3:37 pm on 6 September 2023 and on 7 September 2023 in the evening at 4:14pm.

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI SHUBH MUHURAT 2023

In accordance with Drik Panchang, Nishita Puja will take place on September 7 from 11:57 pm to 12:42 am. As a result, at 11:57 p.m. on Janmashtami, worship can begin. Laddu Gopal’s birth anniversary and devotion will go till 12.42 a.m. The Parana time on September 7 will be 4:14 p.m.

Lord Krishna’s birth anniversary is celebrated on Janmashtami. On this day, followers of Lord Krishna celebrate Bal Gopal and Laddu Gopal, his infant incarnations. Lord Krishna will be 5250 years old this year, according to Vedic chronology. People would observe fasts, go to temples, decorate their homes, cook delicious food, dress up the Lord Krishna statue, and other activities to mark the occasion. The celebration is observed all throughout the nation.

THE STORY OF JANMASHTAMI

Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have been born in Mathura, a city in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva, but he was raised by Yashoda and Nanda in Gokul due to a prophecy that he would be killed by Devaki's brother, Kansa. Lord Krishna's life is depicted in various scriptures, most notably the Bhagavad Gita, where he imparts profound wisdom and teachings to Arjuna.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Janmashtami is celebrated with immense reverence and devotion. The festival holds cultural significance beyond its religious roots, as it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the timeless principles of righteousness. Lord Krishna's life and teachings inspire devotees to embrace love, compassion, and selflessness.

MUST-VISIT?TEMPLES IN VRINDAVAN DURING JANMASHTAMI

There are over 4000 temples in Vrindavan of which?Banke Bihari Mandir,?Ranganathji Temple,?ISCKON Temple,?Radharaman Temple, to name a few, are the main temples where people flock for their ceremonies and ritualistic events that take place throughout the day of Janmashtami; especially the ‘Abhishek‘ which is the grand ritualistic bath of Lord Krishna before the ceremonies begin. Madhuban, an area near the Yamuna River is believed to be the exact place where Lord Krishna was said to have performed?rasleelas?with his beloved?Gopis, 5000 years ago. Local folklore says that even till this date, Lord Krishna descends at this place to perform?rasleelas?with the?gopis. Hence, no locals set foot in the area after dusk. Though, Madhuban?is brightly lit and decorated during Janmashtami as?rasleelas?and plays are performed here but only during daytime. A majority of the devotees and tourists come to Madhuban?to see the famous performances before heading to Mathura.

WHERE TO CELEBRATE JANMASHTAMI IN MATHURA?

With thousands of temples in the city of?Mathura, celebrations start over a month before the day of birth. Two most important aspects of the Janmashtami festival celebrated here are?Jhulanotsav?and?Ghatas.?

• Jhulanotsov?is the ritual where people put out swings in the courtyard of their houses and temples decorated with flowers and?rangolis?around to welcome Lord Krishna to their dwellings and to symbolize the cradling of the infant Krishna.
• Ghatas?are another unique feature of the celebrations here at Mathura, where all the temples in the city are decorated with the colour of the chosen?theme including?the clothes of the Idol Krishna as well. They follow this tradition for an entire month and without which the celebration of the festival isn’t complete.

In the days leading up to the?Janma divas,?Rasleelas?(dance-dramas which were popularly performed by Krishna himself in his days) are performed by various groups, especially by 10-13-year-old kids. Also,?Jankis?are made, which are clay modelled figures on display wherein scenes depicting various stages of Krishna’s life are showcased all over the city of Mathura.

VISIT THESE TEMPLES IN MATHURA TO EXPERIENCE THE CELEBRATIONS OF JANMASHTAMI

• Nandagao
• Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
• Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura
• Radha Vallabh Mandir

Krishna was born at midnight so the celebrations lead up to that time after which various poojas and rituals take place in the temples. The main event, however, is held?at the actual location?of Krishna’s birth which is now converted into a big?Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. The idol is kept in a room called?Garbha Griha, it is given a ritualistic bath with milk and curd, dressed up in traditional clothes and placed in the cradle.

The cradle is then rocked while the devotees chant prayers and sing hymns. It is a popular belief that any wish made while the cradle is rocked comes true on the?day of Janmashtami. As the devotees welcome the lord, the lord is presented with?Panchami?and?Chappan bhog?(56 dishes). This is then distributed among the devotees who break their fast with this.

Over 8 lakh devotees come to Mathura & Vrindavan every year to take part in the Janmashtami festival?and to offer prayers and witness the grand celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. Are you going too? Let us know in the comments section

CUSTOMS AND CELEBRATIONS

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a fast on Janmashtami, refraining from consuming grains and dairy products until midnight, when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born.

2. Bhajan and Kirtan: Devotional songs, bhajans, and kirtans praising Lord Krishna's glory and virtues fill temples and homes, creating an atmosphere of spiritual joy.

3. Midnight Celebrations: The birth of Lord Krishna is believed to have occurred at midnight. Devotees gather in temples, homes, and community centres to celebrate this momentous occasion.

4. Dahi Handi: In regions like Maharashtra, Janmashtami is marked by the Dahi Handi festival, where young people form human pyramids to reach and break a pot filled with curd hung high above the ground. This tradition symbolizes Krishna's playful and mischievous nature.

5. Raslila Performances: In some regions, devotees enact Raslila, a dramatic representation of Lord Krishna's playful interactions with the gopis (cowherd girls) of Vrindavan. These performances depict Krishna's divine love and devotion.

6. Temple Decorations: Temples are adorned with intricate decorations, colourful flowers, and traditional rangoli designs to create a festive ambiance.

7. Jhankis: Elaborate tableau displays depicting scenes from Lord Krishna's life are set up in temples and homes, offering devotees a visual journey through his divine journey.

8. Giving and Sharing: Janmashtami encourages acts of kindness, charity, and sharing. Devotees often donate food, clothes, and necessities to the less fortunate.

CONCLUSION

Janmashtami is not only a religious festival but a celebration of spirituality, love, and the eternal wisdom of Lord Krishna. It unites people in devotion, encourages them to embrace righteous values, and fosters a sense of community. Through its customs, rituals, and celebrations, Janmashtami serves as a reminder of the timeless lessons imparted by Lord Krishna and continues to inspire countless individuals to lead lives of virtue and compassion.

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