Janmashtami is on 6th or 7th September ?
Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami or Krishna Janmashtami, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The date of Janmashtami varies from year to year and from region to region, primarily because it is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu lunar calendar. This corresponds to either August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
In 2023, Janmashtami falls on September 6th in some regions and on September 7th in others, depending on the specific observance followed by different sects and communities. The festival holds immense cultural and religious significance for Hindus and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India and among Hindu communities worldwide.
The celebration of Janmashtami typically involves a range of customs, rituals, and festivities that vary from region to region. Here is a detailed overview of how Janmashtami is celebrated:
- Fasting and Vigil: Devotees often observe a fast on Janmashtami, where they abstain from consuming grains and certain other foods throughout the day. Many people also stay awake all night, engaging in devotional activities and singing bhajans (devotional songs) in praise of Lord Krishna.
- Decorations: Homes and temples are adorned with colorful decorations, and cradles with a small idol of baby Krishna are set up to recreate the scene of Lord Krishna’s birth.
- Pooja (Worship): Special prayers and pujas are performed at temples and homes. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and other offerings to Lord Krishna’s idols.
- Ras Lila: In some regions, elaborate reenactments of Lord Krishna’s childhood episodes, especially the Ras Lila (a dance with the Gopis), are performed. These dances depict the divine love between Krishna and his devotees.
- Dahi Handi: In Maharashtra, the Dahi Handi celebration involves forming human pyramids to reach and break a pot filled with curd or buttermilk, symbolizing Lord Krishna’s playful nature as a child.
- Devotional Music and Dance: Bhajans, kirtans (devotional songs), and dances are performed by devotees to celebrate Krishna’s life and teachings.
- Feasting: After the fast is broken at midnight, devotees prepare and enjoy a sumptuous meal that includes a variety of vegetarian dishes, especially those that are believed to be Lord Krishna’s favorites, like makhan (butter), curd, and sweets.
- Reading and Reciting Scriptures: Devotees often read and recite passages from the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text that contains Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna.
- Visiting Temples: Many people visit temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, such as the famous ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temples, where special programs and events are organized.
Janmashtami is not just a religious festival; it is also a cultural celebration that brings communities together. The festivities showcase the rich and diverse heritage of India and emphasize the values of love, compassion, and devotion that Lord Krishna represents. Whether celebrated on September 6th or 7th, Janmashtami is a time for spiritual reflection, family gatherings, and spreading the message of Lord Krishna’s teachings of righteousness and devotion.
Unveiling the Enchanting History of Janmashtami
Introduction
Janmashtami, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This auspicious occasion, marked by grandeur and devotion, holds a profound significance in Hindu culture. As we dive into the history of Janmashtami, we discover the intriguing legends, divine tales, and cultural significance that make this festival a cherished part of India’s rich heritage.
The Birth of Lord Krishna
The history of Janmashtami traces back to the Dvapara Yuga, a time when Lord Krishna was born in Mathura to King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki. The divine tale unfolds as Lord Krishna’s birth was foretold by Lord Brahma, who revealed that the eighth son of Devaki would be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and play a pivotal role in the salvation of mankind.
Kansa’s Reign of Tyranny
The backdrop of Lord Krishna’s birth is marred by the tyrannical rule of Devaki’s brother, King Kansa. Driven by a prophecy that foretold his death at the hands of Devaki’s eighth child, Kansa imprisoned his sister and her husband, Vasudeva. He was determined to eliminate any threat to his rule.
The Miraculous Birth
The night of Lord Krishna’s birth is marked by extraordinary events. Vasudeva, guided by divine intervention, carries the newborn Krishna across the Yamuna River to safety in the village of Gokul. He replaces Krishna with a baby girl, Yashoda’s newborn daughter, who becomes known as Yogamaya. This act of divine subterfuge ensures Lord Krishna’s survival.
Lord Krishna’s Childhood Exploits
Janmashtami celebrates the remarkable childhood of Lord Krishna, filled with endearing stories of his pranks, miracles, and divine wisdom. His playful escapades, particularly with the gopis and his beloved Radha, are recounted with great devotion during the festival.
The Raas Leela
One of the most cherished episodes of Lord Krishna’s life is the Raas Leela, a divine dance with the gopis of Vrindavan under the moonlit night. This enchanting dance symbolizes the eternal love between Lord Krishna and his devotees, showcasing the profound spiritual connection that Janmashtami represents.
Krishna as the Teacher
Lord Krishna’s teachings, as depicted in the Bhagavad Gita, form a fundamental part of the Janmashtami celebration. His words of wisdom on the battlefield of Kurukshetra offer invaluable insights into life, duty, and devotion. Devotees often recite verses from the Bhagavad Gita as a part of their Janmashtami observance.
The Cultural Significance of Janmashtami
Janmashtami is not just a religious festival; it is a cultural extravaganza that brings people together through music, dance, drama, and art. The ‘Dahi Handi’ tradition, in which young men form human pyramids to break a pot of curd suspended high above the ground, is a popular spectacle during the festival. It symbolizes Lord Krishna’s love for butter and his playful nature.
Conclusion
Janmashtami is a festival that encapsulates the divine history of Lord Krishna’s birth and his extraordinary life. It is a time for spiritual reflection, devotion, and cultural expression. As millions of devotees celebrate this joyous occasion each year, they not only pay homage to Lord Krishna but also ensure that the enchanting history of Janmashtami lives on, continuing to inspire generations with its tales of divine love, wisdom, and devotion.