Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India in July or August. This year, the auspicious festival falls on August 11.
As per the Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna had descended on earth on the 8th day of the dark half of Shravan month, which is celebrated as Janmashtami.
The Janmashtami celebration of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Sri Krishna had spent his life, are very special. On this day temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples.
Krishna Janmashtami 2020 Puja timings:
Janmashtami Tithi – August 11, 2020
Nishita Puja Time – 12:21 AM to 01:06 AM, August 12
Dahi Handi on Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Ashtami Tithi Begins – 09:06 AM on August 11, 2020
Ashtami Tithi Ends – 11:16 AM on August 12, 2020
Significance of Krishna Janmashtami:
Janmashtami is regarded as one of the most auspicious and important festivals celebrated by Hindus in India to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. It is a highly significant festival among Hindus as Lord Shree Krishna was born on this day as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Krishna was born five thousand years ago in Dwapar Yuga in the City of Mathura at midnight. Krishna Janmashtami is a popular and much-awaited festival and is celebrated across India in diverse names such as Gokulashtami, Saatam Aatham, Krishnashtami, Srikrishna Jayanti and Ashtami Rohini.
Krishan Janmashtami Vrat Vidhi:
- You need to start your fast at the sunrise and end it post-sunrise the next day. Follow all the rules, while keeping the fast.
- Once you are done with your morning routine, take a bath. Then recite ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaay” mantra as many times as possible.
- If you have an idol of Bal Krishna in your temple at home, you may decorate it with fancy clothes and jewellery, as per your will and capacity, and celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight. Offer panjiri – the traditional prasad associated with this festival – and white butter to Bal Krishna.
- Offer 52 bhog (food items) or available tasty dishes in the market to Bal Krishna the next day. You may end your fast and eat once you have offered food to Bal Krishna.
