Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. In certain Hindu texts, such as the Gita Govinda, Krishna has been identified as supreme God and the source of all avatars.
Krishna was born in the Indian city of Mathura and is believed to have dwelled on earth between 3200 and 3100 B.C.E. While sources differ, Krishna is noted to have been born either during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada or Shravan, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight known as ashtami (the eighth day of the Hindu lunar calendar).
Krishna Janmashtami: History
Hinduism is filled with legendary tales of gods and goddesses who performed heroic feats and are worshipped by practitioners for their supernatural powers. Lord Krishna is an immensely powerful and popular god whose tales were written about extensively in the Bhagavad Gita, an epic and revered Hindu narrative which translates as ''Song of God.'' The Bhagavad Gita is part of the epic Hindu poem the Mahabharata. Written in the 1st or 2nd century C.E., the Bhagavad Gita is the story of Lord Krishna mentoring his friend Prince Arjuna during a great conflict of engagement between warring parties from the same family. Krishna teaches Arjuna about honor, duty, courage, knowledge, and the accumulation of good karma through selfless action.
Krishna Janmashtami: Significance
Janmashtami, also known as Krishnashtami, is celebrated eight days following a festival that celebrates the relationship between sisters and brothers known as Raksha Bandhan. In Vaishnavism, a form of Hinduism that has specific devotion to the god Vishnu and his avatars (incarnations), the celebration of Krishnashtami commences before dawn and continues through midnight, when Krishna was believed to have made his divine appearance in the world. In Vaishnava temples, great ceremonies are enacted to worship the special day. Krishnashtami has great significance in the Vaishnavism tradition as it celebrates the incarnation of their primary worshipped god Vishnu. As Vishnu is the protector and preserver of the universe, Krishnashtami commemorates the balance between good and evil.
Krishna Janmashtami: Celebrations
Worshippers of Lord Krishna celebrate Janmashtami by the observance of fasting the day prior to Krishna's midnight birth in preparation for the festival. Krishna temples are elaborately decorated, and devotees perform kirtan, Hindu religious songs that praise divinity through singing and chanting in a call-and-response style. Worshippers may celebrate with an idol statue of baby Krishna. A night vigil of Krishnashtami is held; following the end of the fasting at midnight the festivities begin and devotees will feast and eat sweets in celebration of Krishna's birth. The festival goes on for two days, and many worshippers do not sleep during the celebrations.
Krishna Janmashtami 2024:
This year, it will be Lord Krishna's 5251st birthday.
It is marked by various traditions, including fasting, devotional singing, and reenactments of Krishna's life and deeds.
Devotees often stay up late on the night of Janmashtami as Krishna is believed to have been born at midnight. Special prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and religious ceremonies are held at this time to mark his birth.
Temples and homes are often decorated, and the deity’s idol is dressed in new clothes and adorned with flowers.
The festival is vibrant and joyous, reflecting the deep devotion people have for Krishna and his teachings.
Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Date and time
This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on Monday, August 26.
Ashtami Tithi Begins - August 26 at 03:39 AM
Ashtami Tithi Ends - August 27 at 02:19 AM
Rohini Nakshatra starts -August 26 at 03:55 PM
Rohini Nakshatra ends -August 27 at 03:38 PM
Parana Time - August 27 at 12:11 AM
Nishita Puja Timings - August 26: From 11:26 PM to 12:11 AM on August 27
Dahi Handi - August 27
