IMPORTANCE
Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna was born in the 'Rohini' nakshatram to King Vasudeva and Devaki Devi on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Sravana. This festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti and Krishnashtmi. The actual day of celebration can be on two different days as the star 'Rohini' and Ashtami may not be on the same day. These days correspond to the August and September months on the Gregorian calendar. Sri Krishna is considered as the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu's, (one of three major Hindu Gods) on earth. He is considered to be the Lord's most glorious incarnations. It is said that his remembrance true heart brings extreme joy and pleasure because Sri Krishna himself was a manifestation of joy at all levels and in all walks of life. No other God in the Hindu pantheon, or for that matter in any other religion, is associated with so many romantic tales and so fully radiating with all the divine attributes as Sri Krishna.
DESCRIPTION
Lord Krishna and his childhood friends may have had a great time breaking handis full of Milk, Butterand Ghee. But for our modern Govindas the day following Janmashtami is meant for practising their skills and earning some moolah. Festivity was in the air as group youngsters, commonly known as Govindas competed with each other to break the Dahi-Handis and bag the prize money. The residents living in the nearby buildings and chawls made the task a little more challenging by throwing water and Gulal at the competitors.The accompanying slogans of "Govinda ala re ala " which reverberated in the air even made passersby stop on their way and join the fun.
IMPORTANCE
Janmashtami is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna, one of the reincarnations of Lord Vishnu born in the Dwapar Yug. The festival is celebrated throughout the country with immense zeal and gusto. Devotees of Lord Krishna all over the country observe fasting on this day. Though the celebrations of the festival differ a little in terms of rituals and traditions from place to place, the overall celebrations of the Janmashtami everywhere is full of zeal and enthusiasm. Colorful Pandals and temples decorated with beautiful idols of Krishna make the festival look like a beautiful celebration of joy all over the world.
DESCRIPTION
The celebrations of Janmashtmi takes place only at the midnight of Krishnashtami as the birth Sri Krishna took place on the conjunction point of both the days. Lot of hymns, arti, bhajans takes place and the rocking the cradle of Lord is done as a sign of his arrival. His idol is then bathed with milk, ghee, honey and Gangajal. He is also offered ‘bhog’ i.e. all the scrumptious ‘satvik’ (pure) food item that have been prepared by devotees all day long. Later all this is distributed amongst the devotees as ‘prasada’. It is the time when devotees open their fast by consuming the holy prasada.
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