Krishna Janmashtami: A Festival of Love and Devotion

Krishna Janmashtami, also known simply as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is a vibrant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. This annual celebration is marked with great enthusiasm and devotion across India and abroad1.

The Significance of Janmashtami
Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have been born on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada, which overlaps with August or September of the Gregorian calendar1. The number eight holds another significance in the Krishna legend as he is the eighth child of his mother, Devaki.

Krishna is revered as the supreme God in certain Hindu texts, such as the Gita Govinda, and is considered the source of all avatars1. His birth is celebrated to spread the message of dharma, love, and oneness on earth.

The Celebrations of Janmashtami
The festivities associated with Janmashtami are diverse and colorful. They include a night vigil, fasting, devotional singing until midnight (the time of Krishna’s birth), and the reading and recitation of religious texts. Dance-dramas depicting the life of Krishna according to the Bhagavata Purana are also a significant part of the celebrations.

In many parts of India, pots of milk are hung from tall poles in the streets, and men form human pyramids to reach and break the pots. This tradition imitates Krishna’s childhood play with the cowherd boys, when they stole the curds hung out of reach by their mothers.

Temples and household shrines are adorned with leaves and flowers. Sweetmeats are first offered to the god and then distributed as prasada (the god’s leftovers, which carry his favor) to all the members of the household.

Embracing the Spirit of Janmashtami
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often forget to pause and listen to the whispers of our soul4. The celebration of Janmashtami invites us to step into the realm of spirituality and introspection. It encourages us to embrace the virtues of love, compassion, and righteousness that Lord Krishna embodied.

As we celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, let us remember to carry forward the teachings of Lord Krishna in our daily lives. Let us strive to spread love, uphold dharma, and promote unity in diversity, just as Krishna did.

Happy Krishna Janmashtami!