Krishna Janmashtami is a day of great significance in the Hindu mythology. It is considered as the day Lord Krishna, the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born.
Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur. People decorate their houses, temples and common public places, children dress up as different characters from mythological stories and act out instances from Krishna’s life. People keep fast and prepare various types of delicacies on this auspicious occasion.
- When is Krishna Janmashtami in 2019 ?
This year, most people will celebrate Krishna Janmashtami on 23 August. However, those who give importance to Udaya Tithi, will celebrate the festival on 24 August.
Lord Krishna was born on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha, or the eighth day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, as per the Hindu calendar. This is why the festival is called Janmashtami.
As per the mythological stories, Lord Krishna was born in Rohini Nakshatra at midnight. Therefore, if the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh in the month of Bhadrapada falls with Rohini Nakshatra, it is believed to be highly auspicious. In accordance with this belief, Janmashtami will be celebrated on 23 August this year.
- Krishna Janmashtami: Puja Vidhi
People keep fast on the day of Krishna Janmashtami. After taking a bath, they clean the temple and decorate it around the idol of Laddu Gopal (baby Krishna).
The puja for Krishna Janmashtami starts after the birth of Lord Krishna at 12 am. People sing Krishna bhajans, make the idols wear new clothes, offer them charnamrit while rocking the cradle of baby Krishna.
- Krishna Janmashtami: Significance & History
It is believed that Lord Krishna was born in a prison in Mathura. In order to protect him from Kansa, who was his uncle, his father Vasudev carried him in a basket across River Yamuna to Vrindavan. Krishna was then brought up by adoptive parents Yasoda and Nanda.
In popular tales, Krishna is described as a mischievous child, known for stealing butter and causing trouble with his friends.
In other stories, Krishna freed River Yamuna from the poisonous Kaliya Nag, rescued his parents from Kansa, picked up the Govardhan hill to shelter villagers from the wrath of King Indra, etc.
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