The Importance of Krishna Janmashtami in Hindu Culture
The birth of a child within a family is an unparalleled moment, filled with profound happiness, excitement, and a blend of joy and nervousness that words can hardly capture. This emotion reaches its highest peak when the child’s birth signals a significant event foretold by divine messages. Such is the case with the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, who was foreseen to defeat the cruel king Kansa and restore dharma to the world.
Shri Krishnas birth
Lord Krishna was born in Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) India on the Bhadrapada month of Krishna Paksha Ashtami to Devaki Mata according to the Hindu calendar, precisely at midnight amidst heavy rain. The Yamuna River, personified as a motherly figure, is said to have tried to touch Krishna’s feet as his father Nand Baba carried him in a basket. This celestial birth marks the beginning of a profound narrative that intertwines divine intervention and human history.
Krishna Janmashtami, celebrated in late August or early September, commemorates this divine event with joy and passion. This year, the festival falls on August 26th. The significance of Krishna Janmashtami extends beyond mere celebration; it is a time to relive the divine events of Krishna’s life and embrace the divine and human aspects of his incarnation.
The festival is not just a remembrance but a vibrant celebration of Krishna’s miraculous deeds and his guidance to humanity. From his miraculous birth in prison—where he broke all locks himself—to his childhood exploits of stealing butter, Krishna’s life is filled with remarkable stories. His role in vanquishing Kansa and his teachings to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, underscore his significance in Hindu philosophy and ethics.
Krishna Janmashtami is observed through various practices that reflect devotion and reverence. Devotees often fast from sunrise to midnight, the time of Krishna’s birth. This fast is not merely a physical exercise but a spiritual discipline intended to purify the mind, body, and soul. The fast typically involves abstaining from grains and consuming fruits, milk, and milk products, focusing instead on spiritual practices such as reciting sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita, meditating, and chanting bhajans like:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare as a way to connect with Lord Krishna.
Janmashtami preparations
In preparation for the celebration, devotees decorate their homes with rangoli designs and small pots filled with butter to symbolize Krishna’s love for the dairy products. Homes are adorned with feathers, flutes, and miniature representations of cows and village scenes, reflecting Krishna’s pastoral roots. At midnight, the highlight of the celebration occurs: Krishna’s birth is re-enacted by devotees with great excitement. When small little kids get dressed as Radha Krishna, it feels as though devotees are able to see Krishna live in front of them.
That feeling is cherished and unmatched. Devotees then sing bhajans, ring bells, and perform rituals to honour the deity. The ritualistic aspect of the celebration includes the Abhishek, where Krishna’s idol is bathed with a mixture of milk, ghee, sugar, honey, and curd, followed by fresh water infused with Tulsi leaves and Ganga water (Ganga Jal). While performing this ritual, devotees chant Om Kleem Krishnaya Namaha (ॐ क्लीम कृष्णाय नमः) mantra 108 times.
The idol, or Laddu Gopal, is then dressed in new clothes and offered an elaborate feast known as Chappan Bhog. This feast includes traditional items like Makhan Mishri, and Panjiri, sweets such as Peda, Panchamrut, fruits, and milk, symbolizing the abundance of Krishna’s blessings.
Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations Across India
Krishna Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, though the celebrations vary by region. The festival is known by different names depending on the local culture and traditions.
The festival is known by different names depending on the region. In various states, it’s referred to as Krishna Ashtami, marking the eighth day of the lunar calendar when Krishna was born. In North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, it’s called Gokul Ashtami, commemorating Krishna's childhood in Gokul. In the South, in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Krishna Jayanti. During this time, people prepare an array of sweets and savouries, such as murukku, and create beautiful footprints of Krishna using rice flour to symbolize and welcome Shri Krishna’s arrival at their homes.
Several special events highlight the Janmashtami celebrations:
1) Dahi Handi - It is a prominent event where customs vary by state. In Mathura, Krishna’s birthplace, the atmosphere is spiritually enriching. Devotees experience bliss as they participate in Dahi Handi, where a pot filled with butter, curd, and milk is hung several feet above the ground (not more than 20 feet). Young men and children, known as Govinda’s, form human pyramids to break the pot and imitate Krishna’s playful antics. In Maharashtra, this event becomes a competitive spectacle, with many groups vying to break the pot first. Additionally, the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is beautifully decorated, and special pujas are conducted at homes where people invite each other for Darshan.
2) Phoolon Ki Holi- This is celebrated in Rajasthan and is one of the festival’s most beautiful aspects. Instead of traditional colours or water, fresh flowers are used, filling the air with their fragrance and creating a picturesque setting. The fragrance of fresh flowers marking an organic celebration involves singing bhajans and enjoying the present moment, capturing the joy of Krishna's birth in a scenic, serene environment.
3) Nand Mahotsav, t he following day of Janmashtami is observed as Nand Mahotsav and involves celebrations at home by Krishna’s parents, Nand Baba and Yashoda Maiya. Devotees reenact parental roles, bathing and dressing Krishna in new clothes, and placing Him in a cradle. This enactment is filled with emotional highs and lows, reflecting a deep belief that Krishna cares for everyone and takes care of their lives.
4) Ras Lila -In Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana, Ras Lila is a key highlight. This vibrant celebration depicts Lord Krishna dancing with the Gopis. Each Gopi experiences the dance as if Krishna is exclusively with her, embodying His divine playfulness. The Ras Lila showcases Krishna’s ability to make each Gopi feel uniquely special, reflecting the essence of His divine lilas.
Overall, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with diverse customs across India, each region adding its unique touch to the festival’s rich celebrations. Krishna Janmashtami is more than a festival; it is a vibrant expression of divine love for Sri Krishna and human devotion, celebrating the miraculous birth and life of Lord Krishna.
Devotees daily chant Krishna Mantra Sri Krishna Sharanam Mamah (श्री कृष्ण शरणम ममः) as a belief and faith in Sri Krishna that they are in his Sharan (shelter and shield) in any situations of life.
This year enjoy the festival of Krishna Janmashtami with family and be in full devotion (Bhakti) to Lord Krishna to experience Peace and Inner Happiness in your life.
