Janamashtami, also known as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, and Saatam Aatham, is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and around the world to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. This festival is celebrated with great devotion and joy in India and is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism.
History of Janamashtami
Janamashtami is an ancient festival that is celebrated in India and other parts of the world. It is believed that Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapad, which usually falls in August or September.
The festival of Janamashtami is also associated with the story of Lord Krishna’s birth. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, to Devaki and Vasudeva. It is said that Lord Krishna was born to protect the people of the world from the tyranny of the wicked King Kansa.
When to Celebrate Janamashtami
Janamashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapad, which usually falls in August or September.
Significance of Janamashtami
Janamashtami is a very important festival in Hinduism. It is believed that Lord Krishna is the embodiment of love and divine joy, and that his birth marks the end of darkness and the beginning of a new era of enlightenment and joy.
The festival of Janamashtami is also associated with the story of Lord Krishna’s birth. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, to Devaki and Vasudeva. It is said that Lord Krishna was born to protect the people of the world from the tyranny of the wicked King Kansa.
How to Celebrate Janamashtami
Janamashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India. People decorate their homes and temples with lights and flowers, and devotees gather in temples to offer prayers and pay homage to Lord Krishna.
The traditional way of celebrating Janamashtami is by fasting, singing devotional songs, and performing various religious rituals. People also organize special poojas (rituals) in temples and homes, and perform arti (worship) of Lord Krishna.
In some parts of India, people also organize ‘dahi handi’ (earthenware pot filled with curd and butter) competitions, where teams of young men form a human pyramid and try to break the pot suspended in the air.
Summary
Janamashtami is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in India and around the world to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapad, which usually falls in August or September. Janamashtami is a very important festival in Hinduism and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. People decorate their homes and temples with lights and flowers, and devotees gather in temples to offer prayers and pay homage to Lord Krishna. People also organize special poojas (rituals) in temples and homes, and perform arti (worship) of Lord Krishna. In some parts of India, people also organize ‘dahi handi’ (earthenware pot filled with curd and butter) competitions.
You can explore other festivals such as Chhath Puja and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.