Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami, or Krishna Jayanthi, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna the eight avatar of ‘Vishnu’. Such Hindu literature as the ‘Gita Govinda’, has been identified ‘Krishna’ as supreme God and the source of all avatars. Krishna’s birth is celebrated and observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in Shravana Masa or Bhadrapada Masa. The celebratory customs associated with Janmashtami include a celebration festival, reading and recitation of religious texts, dance and enactments of the life of Krishna according to the ‘Bhagavata Purana’, devotional singing till midnight, and fasting, amongst other things. It is widely celebrated across India and abroad.

His bravery and his wit are profoundly narrated in many stories. The story of Krishna Jayanthi goes back to when Lord Krishna was born. His mother, Devaki, was imprisoned by her brother, King Kansa. A prophecy had told Kansa that one of Devaki’s sons would kill him, so he kept her locked up to prevent this from happening.

Despite the precautions taken by Kansa, Krishna was born, and he was smuggled out of prison by his father, Vasudeva. Nanda and Yashoda then raised Krishna in Gokul. Krishna began to perform miracles as he grew up and exhibited superhuman strength. He eventually killed King Kansa, fulfilling the prophecy.

Every year, Krishna Jayanthi celebrations take place on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana, which falls between August and early September. It marks the occasion of Lord Krishna’s birth. The Krishna Jayanthi festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion in both temples and homes. On this day, devotees fast and perform special puja (worship). Lord Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Krishnashtami, Krishna Jayanthi, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, and Srijayanti.