Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami
‘Krishna Janmashtami’, also known as ‘Gokul Ashtami’, ‘Krishnashtami’, or ‘Krishna Jayanthi’ is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, with great devotion all over India. Lord Krishna is one of the most loved deities in Hinduism because he is considered as the embodiment of love and joy. Lord Krishna is often shown as carrying a flute and standing beside a holy cow.
It is believed that Lord Krishna survived many dangers throughout his life, and he is celebrated for his courage, strength, and agility. Devotees look up to the Lord as their teacher and a divine power that guides them throughout their life.
The celebrations start at midnight and devotees play devotional songs, observe fast, perform puja, and rock the cradle of Lord Krishna. The day celebrates the life of the Lord and his presence in the lives of all his devotees.
History of Janmashtami
Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva on the eight Ashtami day in the month of Bhadrapada, in Mathura. Mathura was then ruled by Krishna’s uncle – Kansa. The King wanted to kill Devaki’s children, since a prophecy said that her eight sons would cause the King’s downfall. While the King imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and killed their six children, the couple’s seventh son – Balram’s foetus appeared in the womb of Princess Rohini. Later, when Devaki and Vasudeva’s eight son – Krishna was born, Vasudeva rescued their son to Nand Baba and Yashoda. After exchanging his son with the daughter, he went to the palace with the baby and handed her over to Kansa. When Kansa tried to kill the daughter, she transformed into Goddess Durga. The Goddess appeared as mighty force and warned Kansa. Krishna grew up with Nand Baba and Yashoda in Vrindhavan and went on to kill Kansa, in the future.
Janmashtami Muhurat
The Krishna Janmashtami puja is performed during the tithi of Ashtami. The tithi of Ashtami for the year 2022 begins on 18 August 2022 at 09:20 PM. The Ashtami tithi ends on the 19 August 2022 at 10:59 PM.
Janmashtami Puja Vidhi
The idol of Lord Krishna is given a bath with holy water and placed in a cradle. The puja should begin with the meditation of the Lord. Food items like milk, kheer, fruits, and sweets are offered to the Lord. Devotees observe a day-long fast and end it after the puja, by eating the prasad. The ritual of breaking the fast is called as ‘paran’. After the offerings have been made, diyas are lit all around the house, and Krishna aarti’s are performed to celebrate the Lord’s birth. Devotees perform bhajans and read out the Lord’s 108 names.
India Sajawat and Puja Hut wishes everyone a happy Shri Krishna Janmashtami 2022!
