Janmashtami

The Hindu festival Krishna Janmashtami or Shree Krishna Jayanti is also known by the name of Gokul Ashtami is celebrated with vigor around the world every year! This festival is considered as the birthday of Lord Krishna that falls on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month (August-September).Krishna Janmashtami 2024 festival is considered as the birthday of Lord Krishna that falls on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month (August- September). He is the only deity who has been portrayed in different colors in his different stages of life. He was a blessing for mankind and that is the reason why this festival is celebrated with such dedication and enthusiasm all around the world. It is the most important and popular annual festival of the Hindu religion that is celebrated with complete love.

Significance of Krishna Janmashtami

The importance of Rituals Janmashtami is to encourage goodwill and to eradicate all the negativity from the world. The Janmashtami festival is the day when Lord Krishna made his earthly appearance. The poetry in the Bhagavadgita (a sacred book narrated by Lord Vishnu) say, that whenever there will be a predominance of evil and decline of religion, I will reincarnate to kill the evil and negativity. People celebrate this festival by fasting, singing, praying and visiting the temples. This holy occasion brings people together, thus it signifies unity and faith. The celebration of this festival harmonizes the relationship between the people and brings prosperity.

History of Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is an auspicious celebration of the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth Avatar of Vishnu. Sri Krishna is considered as one of the most influential human incarnations of the Lord Vishnu. He was born 5,241 years ago in Mathura i.e., on 21st July 3228 BC. The sole objective of Sri Krishna's birth was to free the Earth from the evilness of demons. He played an important role in Mahabharata and propagated the theory of bhakti and good karma which is already narrated deeply in the Bhagwat Geeta. The idols of Shree Krishna are placed in the Jhulas (swings) in the temples and in the homes. Some temples also organize the path (reading) of the Hindu religious scripture of Bhagavad Geeta. His birth was a blessing to humanity and his birthday is celebrated as a festival by Hindus every year to remember him.

Determination of Date

This festival is celebrated on Bhadrapad Krishna Ashtami falling at midnight. If this Ashtami falls on two days and remains available during midnight then it is celebrated on the second day. If Ashtami falls at midnight on both days but Rohini Nakshatra falls on first then it should be celebrated on the first day otherwise on the second day. Here midnight of Ashtami is also termed as Chandrodayavyapini (Falling of Ashtami during Rising of Moon) because the moon rises at midnight only on the day of Ashtami. It is considered to be extremely lucky if this day coincides with Rohini Nakshatra. This year Krishna Janmashtami 2024 will be observed on 26th August.

How to Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is not only celebrated in India but also in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. About eighty percent of the population of Nepal identify themselves as Hindus and celebrate Krishna Janmashtami. Devotees celebrate Janmashtami by fasting until midnight. They chant slokas from the Bhagavadgita and sing religious songs called bhajans. Janmashthami is celebrated by Pakistani Hindus in Sri Swaminarayan Mandir in Karachi with the singing of bhajans and delivering of sermons on Krishna. This festival is celebrated around eight days after Raksha Bandhan. In South India, this festival is celebrated with fruits, ‘prasadam’ and devotional songs. Whereas, Maharashtra celebrates the festival by breaking of ‘Dahi handi’. The Janmashtami celebration of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Sri Krishna had spent his whole life, are very special. On this day temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated. Hindus celebrate Krishna Janmashtami by fasting and staying up until midnight. At midnight, devotees gather around for exchanging gifts, and sing devotional songs, dance, pujas, Aarti, the blowing of the Conch. Some temples also conduct readings of the Hindu religious scripture Bhagavadgita.

After chanting the Shlokas of Bhagavadgita the devotees of Lord Krishna recite following mantra for getting the blessings on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami- "Om Namo Bhagvatey Vasudevaay"

Shree Krishna Janmashtami Vrat (Fast)

On this auspicious day, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated throughout the country with a lot of devotion and the majority of people observe fast. By observing this fast, Lord Krishna will eradicate all sins of 100 births from one’s life. The one who is observing fast must have some light Sattvic food a day before i.e. Saptami. Avoid any physical intimacy with the life partner on the following night and keep all the senses under control. Devotees observe Nirjala fast till the midnight of this day. Some people also observe “phalahar fast” by having milk and fruits throughout the entire day.

Method of Observing Srikrishna Janmashtami Vrat/ Puja Vidhi

This fast is observed on the Ashtami of the dark moon of Bhadrapada.

• On the day of fast, get ready early in the morning and pay respect to all the deities and sit facing towards East or North direction.
• Now, take Sankalp of the fast while keeping holy water, fruit, and flowers in hand.
• After that, place a baby bed in the room and a holy Kalash on it.
• Additionally, place an idol or picture of Devki Ji feeding milk to Lord Krishna.
• Perform this Puja by taking the names of Devaki, Vasudeva, Baladeva, Nand, Yashoda, and Lakshmi Ji respectively.

This fast should be open only after midnight. One can open his/her fast with fried balls of Kuttu flour, sweets made of condensed milk, and Halwa made of water chestnut. In this fast, it is very auspicious to listen to Srikrishna Janmashtami Vrata Katha.

Janmashtami Festival Date and Muhurat

Nishita Puja Time: 12:02 AM to 12:46 AM

Duration: 00 hours 44 minutes