Janmashtami

JANMASHTAMI

India is the land of festivals and Janmashtami is one of the most popular and vibrant among all. It is an annual Hindu celebration held during the monsoons. Krishna Janmashtami, Krishnashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, Gokulashtami, or simply Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This makes the day a landmark for followers of the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism.

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HOW IS JANMASHTAMI CELEBRATED IN INDIA?


Janmashtami is observed all over the country and even outside the country. Several places in Malaysia, Canada, and even Paris celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth with an equal amount of enthusiasm.

Days before the actual Muharat (the most auspicious moment marking the start of an activity), you would find markets bustling with shopkeepers and buyers haggling over heaps of tinsels, redolent flowers, lights, peacock feathers, and other decorative items.

FASTING


Women draw tiny footprints on the floor of their house to show that the Lord has walked into the abode and showered his blessings on its inhabitants. On the day of Janmashtami, devotees also hold fast that can be broken only when Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra are over the next day. This is the nirjala fast. Devotees may also decide upon a phallar fast during this period and eat only fruits and light sattvik food.

MAIN PUJA

At Nishita Kal or midnight, the main ritualistic puja is performed. There are sixteen steps in total which are a part of the Shodashopachara Puja Vidhi. Bhajans and Kirtans dedicated to the Blue God are sung throughout the midnight as people keep a ratri jagaran (night vigil). Some people visit the temple of Lord Krishna or Vishu to offer prayers while others do the puja in their homes.

DAHI HANDI

One of the spectacles of the celebration is Dahi Handi, an event that narrates the story of young Krishna as Makhanchor. Handi or an earthen pot is filled with white butter, ghee, dry fruits, and milk. It is then hung with ropes at some height from the ground. As people gather around it to witness the moment, the young boys in the locality would form a human pyramid, climb up to the Handi and break it.

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