Lord Krishna is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is revered across India.
Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most popular festivals widely celebrated by Hindus across India and other countries. The day, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, and Sree Jayanthi, marks the birth of Lord Krishna.
He is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is revered across India. Born in a dungeon in present-day Mathura in Uttar Pradesh at midnight to Queen Devaki and King Vasudeva, Krishna is described in Hindu epics as the god of love, tenderness, and compassion. He is also known for playing mischievous pranks and performing miracles with his supreme powers.
This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on both the 6th and 7th of September.
JANMASHTAMI HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
According to Hindu scriptures, Sri Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in the city of Mathura on the Ashtami Tithi, or the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada. Kansa, the demon king of Mathura, was the brother of Devaki. A prophecy stated that Kansa would be killed by the eighth son of Devaki as a result of his sins. Kansa therefore put his own sister and her husband in prison.
To prevent the prophecy from happening, he attempted to kill Devaki’s children immediately after their birth. When Devaki gave birth to her eighth child, the whole palace was put into a deep sleep by magic. Vasudeva was able to protect the infant from Kansa’s wrath by taking him during the night to Yashodha and Nanda’s home in Vrindavan. This infant was a manifestation of Lord Vishnu who later took the name Sri Krishna and killed Kansa, ending his reign of terror.
Krishna Janmashtami Rituals
To celebrate the day, Krishna temples are decorated; processions are taken out, while religious sites dedicated to the Blue God see a host of bhajans and kirtans taking place along with satsangs. Many places host dance-drama enactments of the life of Krishna according to the Bhagavata Purana, devotional singing through the midnight when Krishna was born, fasting (upavasa), a night vigil (ratri jagaran), and a festival (mahotsava) the following day to celebrate His birth.
For Janmashtami, Lord Krishna’s idols are cleaned and decorated with news clothes and ornaments. The idol is placed in a cradle to symbolise his birth. Women also draw tiny foot prints outside their house doors and kitchen, walking towards their house, a symbolism for Krishna’s journey into their homes.
Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes to Loved Ones
- May you and your family be showered with love, peace and prosperity this Janmashtami. Wishing everyone a Happy Janmashtami!
- May Lord Krishna always shower happiness, love, prosperity and peace on you and your family.
- May the love and blessings of Krishna are always showered on you.
- Happy Krishna Janmashtami to everyone. Let us celebrate this day with high spirits and welcome Kanha into our homes and hearts.
- Wishing a very Happy Krishna Janmashtami to you. May Lord Krishna is always there to guide us on the path of Karma.
