Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami or simply Janmashtami is a colorful and joyful Hindu festival which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the 8th avatar of Vishnu. This beloved god is known for his mischief, wisdom and devotion to his devotees. Let’s get into the significance of this auspicious day and see how it’s celebrated around the world.
The Legend of Sri Krishna’s Birth
The story of Krishna’s birth is a divine leela. According to Bhagavatam, Kansa the king of Mathura was afraid that his sister Devaki’s 8th child would be his downfall. So he imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva and vowed to kill every newborn child. As each of their children were born, Kamsa ruthlessly killed them. However, when Krishna was to be born, a miracle occurred. At the same time Krishna was born as Devaki and Vasudeva’s eighth child, a baby girl named Yogamaya was born to Nanda and Yashoda in Gokul. At the time of Krishna’s birth a radiant light filled the entire prison blinding the guards, and the doors swung open. Vasudeva took the newborn Krishna across the Yamuna River to Gokul, where his friend Nanda lives. When they reached Gokul, Vasudeva exchanged Krishna with Yogamaya and took her back to Mathura. Kamsa thought he had killed the predicted threat and threw the baby girl against the wall thinking she was Krishna. To everyone’s surprise she turned into a divine form and went to the heavens and revealed herself as an avatar of Vishnu sent to protect Krishna.
In Gokul, Krishna grew up with his brother Balarama. He was loved and cared for. He played with the gopis, stole butter and showed incredible strength. But beneath his mischievous exterior was a divine soul. Krishna’s childhood was a divine play, a manifestation of his true nature as the supreme lord.
Celebrations and Traditions
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great reverence and enthusiasm all over India and especially in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The main celebrations happen on the night of Ashtami, the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada.
Here are some of the key traditions:
- Krishna Leela: Plays and dances depicting the life and adventures of Krishna are performed in temples and community centers.
- Fasting: Devotees often fast on this day, not eating or drinking till midnight. They spend the night in prayer and meditation, reciting scriptures and singing devotional songs.
- Matki Phod: One of the most popular traditions is Matki Phod, where a pot filled with curd and butter is hung high above the ground. Kids try to break the pot with a stick, symbolizing Krishna’s mischievous childhood.
- Dahi Handi: Similar to Matki Phod, Dahi Handi involves a human pyramid formation, where people climb on each other’s shoulders to reach a high-hanging pot of curd.
Krishna Janmashtami is more than just a religious festival; it is a celebration of divine love, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil.
One of the most beautiful ways to connect with Krishna is through music. Here’s a Malayalam bhajan that I love.
As we conclude our celebration of Krishna Janmashtami, let’s remember the power of faith, hope, and love. And what better way to keep the spirit of Krishna alive than with a fun and challenging puzzle? Check out our Krishna Jigsaw Puzzle and see if you can piece together the divine!
