
Happy Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It falls on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, usually in August or September. This festival celebrates the divine appearance of Krishna, who is revered for his wisdom, playfulness, and the profound lessons he imparted to humanity, particularly in the Bhagavad Gita.
Krishna’s birth holds deep significance, as it is believed he descended to the mortal world to rid it of evil and to establish dharma (righteousness). His miraculous birth in a prison cell in Mathura, his transportation across the Yamuna River to Gokul by his father Vasudeva, and his upbringing by Yashoda and Nanda in Vrindavan are cherished tales that are recounted with devotion and joy during Janmashtami.
Devotees celebrate this festival with immense fervor and devotion. Temples are decorated with lights and flowers, and idols of baby Krishna are bathed in milk, honey, and water, symbolizing purity and love. Devotees fast throughout the day, and at midnight, the moment of Krishna’s birth, prayers and devotional songs (bhajans) fill the air. Special enactments of Krishna’s life, known as “Raslila” and “Dahi Handi,” are performed in many parts of the country, where people break pots of curd tied high in the air, symbolizing Krishna’s love for butter during his childhood.
Krishna Janmashtami is not just a celebration of Krishna’s birth but also a reminder of his teachings about love, duty, and devotion. The festival brings people together in joyous celebration and reflection on the values of dharma, compassion, and selfless service that Lord Krishna exemplified.