Janmashtami falls on 6th September 2023
Janmashtami is one of the famous festivals celebrated in India. Janmashtami, Gokulasthami or Krishna Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eight incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival usually falls on Krishna Paksha Asthami in the month of Badrapada during the month of August or September.
Janmashtami is celebrated with lots of joy and celebration throughout India. Family members unite and celebrate this festival with lots of joy and devotion towards the Lord Krishna. Temple festivals are also held in temples, and many competitions are held to encourage young minds to participate with enthusiasm. Devotees share sweets with friends and family and enjoy the day with utmost devotion to God.
How to worship Lord Krishna on Janmashtami Day
- On the previous day of Janmashtami, the entire house and surroundings
were cleaned. The house is decorated with flowers and the puja room is cleaned. - Colourful rangolis are drawn in front of the houses and colourfully decorated with colour powders.
- The idols or images of Balakrishna are kept in the pooja room which is decorated with fragrant colourful flowers.
- Lots of sweets that are favourite of lord Krishna are prepared and are offered to the lord and worshipped.
- The lord Krishna is worshipped by offering lots of sweets.
- Lord Krishna's mantra and chants are recited and the bhajans of lord Krishna are sung to please the lord and seek his blessings.
- The young members of the family take blessings from the elders and get gifts from them.
- Janmashtami is a special day where devotees perform fasting and worship the Lord to seek his blessings.
Festivities and celebrations
Lord Krishna's birth moment is believed to be at midnight; hence, the celebrations are mostly held at this time, at midnightompting the principal celebrant to participate in his time. Devotees to enjoy and celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.Pot hitting game called the “Dahi Handi” or the “Uri Adithal” is a charming tradition in which a clay pot, filled with yoghurt (dahi) dangles from a height. The Youth groups form human pyramids to break the pot. The team that wins is gifted, and this symbolises the games of Lord Krishna as a child.
The art of "Rasa Lila" is that in which the participants engage in traditional dances, enacting the lord Krishna and the gopis of Vrindavan.
Happy Golkulasthami!