Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September on the Gregorian calendar. The word “Janmashtami” is derived from “Janma,” meaning birth, and “Ashtami,” meaning the eighth day.
The festival holds great significance for devotees of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion in various parts of India and by the Hindu community worldwide. Devotees fast, sing devotional songs, and engage in prayer and meditation to commemorate Lord Krishna’s birth.
Janmashtami fasting:
Duration: The fasting period usually starts from the previous day (Saptami) and continues until the midnight of Janmashtami (Ashtami). This means that devotees observe a full-day fast, abstaining from food and water until the midnight celebration.
Midnight Celebration:
The festivities typically begin in the evening and continue until midnight, as it is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight. Devotees gather in temples, homes, and community centers to participate in religious ceremonies and reenactments of Krishna’s life. These reenactments often involve dramatic performances, known as “Raas Leela,” depicting various episodes from Krishna’s childhood and youth.
One of the most popular customs of Janmashtami is the “Dahi Handi” ceremony. It involves forming a human pyramid to break a pot filled with curd, which is suspended at a height. This event symbolizes Lord Krishna’s mischievous nature as a child, as he would often steal butter and curd from people’s homes by forming human pyramids with his friends.
Janmashtami is a joyous occasion filled with devotion, music, dance, and celebrations. It promotes the values of love, compassion, and righteousness, which are associated with Lord Krishna’s teachings.
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