Janmashtami is a popular Hindu festival, a celebration that is observed not only in India but, all over the world. It is a festival of happiness and joviality and is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Lord Krishna is presumed to have made his divine appearance at midnight, in the 28th year of Dwapur Yug. It usually falls in the month of August or September every year, which is actually the climax of the rainy season in India. Janmashtami is also known by the names of Gokulashtami, Krishnasthami and Srijayanti. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and the place witnesses a grand celebration every year.
The significance of Janmashtami trace back to the historical saga associated with the birth of lord Krishna. Kans was a cruel king of Mathura. The Gods could no longer bear the treacherous impact of his tyranny and in a dream Kans was told that his evil reign and life would be bought to an end by his sister Devaki’s son. This fear made him imprisoned Devaki and her husband so that he could kill the sons born to Devaki. During her confinement, Devaki bore six sons and none could be spared from the clutches of Kans. However, on the birth of her seventh son i.e. Lord Krishna, Devaki managed to find a way out of the prison with the child. Eventually, Lord Krishna kills Kans and saves Mathura from the control of the wicked King.
Since then, Janmashtami was celebrated every year to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. Such is the significance of Janmashtami. Lord Krishna epitomizes the good over evil. He was born to free the earth from all the prevailing evils and demons. According to the Puranas, Krishna is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
On this festive occasion people from all over come to the pious place of Mathura to celebrate Janmashtami. Temples and homes are decorated and illuminated to celebrate the joyous occasion. The Lord’s idol is bathed and then rocked in a decorated cradle. Devotees of Lord Krishna usually fast the whole day and break their fast at midnight, the time when Lord Krishna is supposed to have taken his birth. Songs and hymns are chanted in merriment and they are accompanied by dance and dramas. As Lord Krishna was an ardent lover of sweet and milk made products, devotees prepared sweets like doodhachi kheer, pedha, gopalkala or gulabjamun, shrikhand and singhare ki poori celebrate the occasion.
Last Updated On: 2011/06/28
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