Krishna Janmashtami

Annual commemoration in India on account of birth of the Hindu deity Lord Krishna

Krishna Janmashtami, also known simply as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. It is observed according to the Hindu calendar. It is on the eighth day of the Krishna Pakshain Shraavana or Bhadrapad (depending on whether the calendar chooses the new moon or full moon day as the last day of the month), which overlaps with August/September. [1]

Meitei Hindu children acting as Krishna and Radha in the festival of Janmashtami in Manipur.

Significance of Janmashtami

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Janmashtami holds deep spiritual and philosophical significance. It teaches devotees important life lessons such as the pursuit of righteousness, the significance of selfless service, and the ultimate victory of good over evil.

Lord Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize the importance of performing one's duty without attachment to the results, which resonates with people from all walks of life. [2]

Krishna Janmashtami
Also called Krishnashtami, SaatamAatham,

Gokulashtami, Yadukulashtami, Srikrishna Jayanti', Sree Jayanti

Observed by Hindus
Type Religious (1–2 days), cultural
Celebrations Dahi Handi (next day), kite-flying, fair, traditional sweet dishes etc.
Observances Dance, puja, night vigil, fasting
2019 date Friday–Saturday, 23–24 August
2020 date Wednesday–Thursday, 12–13 August
2021 date Monday–Tuesday 30–31 August
2022 date Thursday–Friday 18–19 August
2023 date Wednesday–Thursday, 6–7 September

It is an important festival particularly to the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. Dances of the life of Krishna according to the Bhagavata Purana (such as Rasa Lila or Krishna Lila), devotional singing at midnight when Krishna was born, fasting (upavasa), a night vigil (ratri jagaran), and a festival (mahotsava) on the following day are a part of the Janmashtami celebrations. It is celebrated throughout India.

Krishna Janmashtami is followed by the festival Nandotsav, which celebrates the occasion when Nanda Maharaj, father of Krishna, distributed gifts to the villagers of Vrindavan in honor of the birth.

References

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  1. "Janmashtami is Krishna | Hindu festival". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
  2. It, Quicklly (30 August 2023). "Everything You Need to Know About Janmashtami Celebrations for 2023 - Rituals, Food, Timings and More". Quicklly. Retrieved 2023-09-08.