Krishna Janmashtami, also called Janmashtami or Gokulashtami for short, is an annual Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. According to the Indian Lunar Calendar, the eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha (two weeks of darkness) in Shraavana or Bhadrapada (depending on whether the calendar chooses the new moon or the full moon day as the last day) month). ), overlapping with August or September of the Gregorian calendar.
This is an important festival, especially in the Hindu Vishnu tradition. According to the “Bhagavata Pana” (such as Rasa Lila or Krishna Lila), the dance performance of Krishna’s life, religious chanting until midnight when Krsna was born, fasting (upavasa), vigil (Ratri Jagaran) ) And festivals (Mahotsav). ) The second day is part of the Janmashtami celebration. [5] In Mathura and Vrindavan, as well as in Manipur, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra The main Vaisnava and non-sectarian communities found in Tra, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and all other states of India are particularly celebrated.
Krishna Janmashtami is followed by Nandotsav Festival, which celebrates Nanda Baba’s distribution of gifts to the community to commemorate the moment of birth.
Meaning
Krishna is the son of Devaki and Vasudeva Anakadundubhi. Hindus celebrate his birthday as Janmashtami, especially those in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, because he is considered the Supreme Personality Godhead. Janmashtami is believed to be celebrated according to Hindu tradition at midnight on the eighth day of Badrapada (and August and September 3 in the Gregorian calendar) at the birth of Krishna, who was born in Mathura.
Krishna was born in a chaotic area. This is an era when persecution is rampant, freedom is deprived, evil is everywhere, and his uncle, King Kansa, threatens his life. After Mathura was born, his father Vasudeva Anakadundubhi immediately took Krishna across the Yamuna River to Gokul’s adoptive parents, named Nanda (Nanda) and Yashoda. This legend is celebrated in Janmashtami, where people celebrate by fasting, singing devout songs to Krsna, and night watch. After Krishna was born at midnight, the baby Krishna statue was cleaned and dressed, and then placed in the crib. Then, the devotees break the fast and share food and sweets. The women drew small footprints outside the doors of their homes and kitchens and walked home. This is a symbol of Krishna’s journey home.
Celebrations
Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting, chanting, praying together, preparing and sharing special food, vigil, and visiting the temples of Krishna or Vishnu. The main Krishna temples organize the recitation of the Bhagavata Pana and the Bhagavad Gita. Many community organizations call dance and theater activities called Rasa Lila or Krishna Lila. The Rasa Lila tradition is particularly popular in the Mathura, Manipur and Assam region of northeast India and parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is performed by teams of amateur artists and supported by the local community. These theatrical performances begin a few days before each Janmashtami.
Krishna Janmashtami in Nepal
Krishna Temple, Patan, Nepal
Approximately 80% of the population of Nepal consider themselves Hindu and celebrate Krishna Janmashtami. They observe Janmashtami by fasting until midnight. Devotees recite the Bhagavad Gita and sing religious songs called bhajans and kirtans. Krishna temple is decorated. The shops, signs and houses all have Krishna motifs.
Bangladesh
Janmashtami is a national holiday in Bangladesh. In Janmashtami, the procession starts at Dakshwari Temple in Dhaka, the national temple of Bangladesh, and then passes through the streets of Old Dhaka. The parade dates back to 1902, but stopped in 1948. The parade resumed in 1989.
