Janmashtami

Janmashtami is celebrated all over India with full zest and vigour in the month of August or September on the ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the eighth day in the month of Bhadon according to the Hindu calendar with great devotion and zeal. Janmashtami is also known as Gokulashtami, Krishnasthami, Srijayanti.

Lord Krishna is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Since Krishna’s childhood is spend in Mathura and Vrindavan,these places are particularly famous for its grand celebrations.

On this auspicious occasion, temples and homes are beautifully illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious hymns are sung in temples.

Devotional songs and Raslila (incidents from Sri Krishna's life are enacted in form of dance) is performed to mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over Northern India.

Janmashtami festivities continue for two days and reach its peak at midnight of the first day. This is the time when Lord Krishna is said to have been born. Devotees fast all day long and break it after the birth of Bhagwan Krishna at midnight.

In some parts of India, Janmashtami is celebrated with the event of dahi-handi. Also in some of the temples little kids are dressed up as Nand-Kishor.

The most enjoyed and the most watched event is that of Dahi-Handiwhich is carried out with much fanfare and joy in which people form human pyramids in order to break the handi (Earthen Pot) suspended from top with the help of a rope. The exciting process involves throwing water by the onlookers to prevent the boys from breaking the earthen pot. Dahi Handi ritual is most popularly celebrated in Mumbai.

People make beautiful Jhankis depicting the entire life of Lord Krishna right from the time of his birth. Various jhankis include bith of Lord Krishna in jail, Vasudev, father of Lord Krishna taking out of the jail to his friend Nand, River Yamuna in floods finally bowing to the feet of Lord and making way, exchange of Lord with the baby girl etc.

Celebrate this holy event by spreading warm wishes and love everywhere.