KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI A JOURNEY THROUGH TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated at the birth of Lord Krishna. It is observed throughout India, especially in Mathura and Gujarat. The word "Janmashtami" comes from two Sanskrit words: 'janma,' meaning birth, and 'ashtami,' meaning eighth. Together, they refer to the one whose birth is on the eighth day. Lord Krishna was born on this day at midnight, so people fast to honor him. In India, this is a very sacred festival. In Hinduism, Krishna is one of the most beloved gods for many people. According to the ancient texts (Puranas), the main purpose of his birth was to establish righteousness, known as 'Dharma sthapna' in Sanskrit.
Lord Krishna is one of the popular gods in Hinduism. He is also believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and therefore, his birth is celebrated grandly in Vaishnavism. According to the Puranas, after the birth of Lord Krishna, all the people in Mathura welcomed and celebrated his birth in a grand way. All the Gopis dressed up beautifully to attend the celebration. In Mathura, various sweets like butter, laddus, peda, and other types of food are prepared.
As a child, Lord Krishna used to steal butter that was tied up. He and his friends were very clever in getting the butter. It is also mentioned in the Puranas that when Lord Krishna was born, there was heavy rain in Mathura. According to puranas, lord Krishna had all the 36 kalas from his birth. They are as follows:
In Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna is often described as a "Purna Avatar" (complete incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, endowed with all 16 principal qualities (kalas) which makes a being complete and divine. Some traditions and scriptures mention a concept where Krishna is said to possess 36 "kalas" or qualities. These "kalas" are often understood as manifestations of his divine perfection and mastery in various arts and virtues.These are as follows:
1. Daya (Compassion) :
The ability to show mercy and kindness to all beings.
2. Dhairya (Patience):
Exhibiting calmness and endurance even in the face of adversity.
3. Kshama (Forgiveness):
The virtue of forgiving others, regardless of their actions.
4. Nyaya (Justice):
Upholding fairness and righteousness in all situations.
5. Niti (Ethics):
The understanding and practice of ethical principles.
6. Tyaaga (Renunciation):
The ability to let go of material attachments and desires.
7. Shourya (Valor):
Demonstrating bravery and courage in difficult circumstances.
8. Teja (Radiance):
A glowing presence that inspires and uplifts others.
9. Dhairya (Fortitude):
Unshakable resolve and strength in mind and character.
10. Viveka (Discernment):
The ability to differentiate between right and wrong, truth and falsehood.
11. Vairaagya (Detachment):
A state of dispassion toward worldly pleasures.
12. Shaurya (Heroism):
The quality of a hero, particularly in protecting the good and defeating evil.
13. Parakrama (Strength):
Demonstrating physical and moral strength.
14. Maitri (Friendship):
The ability to be a loyal and trustworthy friend.
15. Vatsalya (Affection):
Unconditional love and affection, especially toward those in need.
16. Madhurya (Sweetness):
Sweetness in speech, behavior, and overall demeanor.
17. Gambhirya (Seriousness):
Maintaining a deep, serious, and thoughtful approach to life.
18. Sthiratva (Stability):
The ability to remain firm and steady in one’s duties and commitments.
19. Kaushalya (Skillfulness):
Mastery in various arts, skills, and crafts.
20. Sahaja (Naturalness):
The quality of being natural and spontaneous.
21. Karuna (Mercy):
Being merciful and showing pity towards the suffering of others.
22. Audarya (Generosity):
Open-heartedness and a willingness to share with others.
23. Vijnana (Wisdom):
Possessing deep knowledge and understanding.
24. Vidya (Knowledge):
Expertise in various fields of knowledge, both spiritual and worldly.
25. Shilpa (Artistry):
Mastery in artistic endeavors, including music, dance, and sculpture.
26. Sangeeta (Music):
Excellence in music, including vocal and instrumental performance.
27. Natya (Dance):
Skill in dance, expressing emotions and stories through movement.
28. Aesthetics (Beauty):
The appreciation and creation of beauty in the world.
29. Vakpatutva (Eloquence):
The ability to speak eloquently and persuasively.
30. Vinaya (Humility):
Being humble and modest in all interactions.
31. Visharada (Expertise):
Expertise and proficiency in various arts and sciences.
32. Hasya (Humor):
A delightful sense of humor and the ability to bring joy to others.
33. Sthairya (Perseverance):
The determination to continue in the face of obstacles.
34. Mantra Siddhi (Spiritual Mastery):
The mastery of mantras and the spiritual power they confer.
35. Yoga (Union with the Divine):
The practice of yoga and meditation, leading to spiritual enlightenment.
36. Samadhi (Meditative Absorption):
The state of deep meditation where the individual soul merges with the Divine.
These 'kalas' represent the different aspects of Lord Krishna's personality, showcasing his completeness as a divine being. Each 'kala' signifies a different attribute, making Krishna a role model in various dimensions of life.
So, these stories form the foundation for these traditions. To understand traditions, we need to know what they mean.
The word 'tradition' means "passing down customs and beliefs from one generation to the next." So, Janmashtami is the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth, passed down through generations.
These traditions are also called rituals. They are celebrated not only in India but also outside of India. Foreigners come from different countries to India just to experience our traditions and customs. They enjoy our culture. Janmashtami is also celebrated in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Singapore.
In India, the way it's celebrated varies from state to state, such as:
1) Uttar Pradesh (UP) - In Uttar Pradesh, Janmashtami is one of the biggest festivals because Lord Krishna was born in Mathura. Here, people observe traditions like decorating chariots, traditional music, and the famous dance called Raasleela.
2) Gujarat - In Gujarat, Janmashtami is celebrated with joy. This is where Lord Krishna spent much of his life. People here play Garba and Dandiya, decorate their idols, make sweets, and distribute them among devotees.
3) Odisha - Here, devotees perform prayers in a ritualistic manner called 'Shodashopchara,' which involves sixteen steps of worship. The famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is also located here. The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights.
4) Tamil Nadu - Devotees in Tamil Nadu prepare various sweets and decorate the deity. Traditional Indian art called "Rangoli" is made in front of doors.
5) Maharashtra - The most famous tradition here is "Dahi Handi." A pot is decorated and hung up, filled with butter, milk, toffees, and other sweets.
6) Jammu and Kashmir - Devotees of Lord Krishna observe a special fast called Phalhari Vrat. People also fly kites, celebrating memories of Krishna's childhood.
Though Janmashtami is celebrated across India, it is celebrated most grandly in Mathura and Vrindavan (UP), as Krishna was born there. Some common traditions include:
* Dressing children as Lord Krishna.
* Devotees fasting on this holy day to honor their beloved deity.
* Visiting temples for the Lord's darshan (viewing).
* Lord Krishna's temples in India are beautifully decorated. Visiting these temples shows how rich our tradition is.
These traditions not only reflect our cultural richness but also teach us how to live. They help in building character and contribute to the preservation of our culture.
The Janmashtami festival offers several lessons that resonate with spiritual, moral, and cultural values. Some of them are as follows:
1. Triumph of Good over Evil : Janmashtami celebrates Krishna's birth, who came to earth to destroy evil forces like King Kansa. This symbolizes the eternal battle between good and evil, and the ultimate victory of righteousness.
2. Divine Love and Devotion : Krishna is often associated with divine love, especially his bond with Radha and the Gopis (cowherd maidens). The festival teaches us the importance of unconditional love and devotion, which can lead to spiritual fulfillment.
3. Importance of Dharma (Righteousness) : Krishna's life, particularly his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of living according to Dharma. Janmashtami encourages people to follow their duty and uphold righteousness, even in challenging situations.
4. Joy and Celebration of Life : The playful and joyous aspects of Krishna's childhood are central to Janmashtami celebrations, reminding us to embrace life with joy and enthusiasm, despite its challenges.
5. Humility and Simplicity : Krishna was born in a humble prison cell, and his early life as a cowherd reflects the virtues of humility and simplicity. The festival teaches that greatness is not about wealth or status but about character and deeds.
6. Unity and Community Spirit : The communal celebrations, including the "Dahi Handi" (pot-breaking) event, highlights the importance of teamwork, unity, and cooperation in achieving common goals.
7. Detachment and Selfless Action: Krishna’s teachings in the Gita, which are often recited during Janmashtami, stresses the importance of performing one's duties without attachment to the results, emphasizing selfless action.
8. Faith in the Divine Plan: Krishna's life story teaches that there is a divine plan, and even in times of adversity, faith in the divine can help overcome obstacles.
These lessons from Janmashtami are not only relevant to those who celebrate the festival but also offer universal principles that helps in guiding anyone in living a meaningful and purposeful life.
CONCLUSION
"Each year, when we celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, we aren't just marking a historical event but also renewing our dedication to the values Krishna represents—compassion, justice, and the ongoing search for truth. This festival continues to be a source of spiritual inspiration, guiding believers toward a meaningful and fulfilling life, just as Krishna did long ago.