The festive season has started already. After Raksha Bandhan, Hindus across the globe eagerly wait for Krishna Janmashtami. The birth of Lord Krishna is much celebrated in India in Mathura. His birthplace and Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh are all decked with colourful lights and flowers. Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples.
Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, is one of the most important Hindu festivals. The auspicious day is celebrated by organizing Dahi Handi in many parts of the country. There are many speculations regarding the date of the festival. This year, the festival will be celebrated on August 11 all over the world.
Some people will celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna on August 12. It is believed that Krishna was born on the eighth (Ashtami) day of the dim fortnight of the long stretch of Bhadrapada (August–September).
The other belief associated with the birth of Lord Krishna is that He was born in Rohini Nakshatra on the eighth (Ashtami) day of the dim fortnight of the long stretch of Bhadrapada. According to which, the Krishna Janmashtmi falls on August 12 this year.
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.
Krishna Janmashami Puja 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.
