The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated every year on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. This year, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 26, 2024.
This festival fills millions of devotees with enthusiasm and deep devotion. The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated in the auspicious month of Bhadrapada, on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha, just after midnight. Janmashtami is a festival loved by people of all ages, and the tradition of Dahi Handi is also observed on this day.
Why and when is Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated:
The festival of Krishna Janmashtami is observed every year on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna and will be celebrated on August 26, 2024, this year. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna was born on this auspicious date in the dark night under the Rohini Nakshatra in the prison of Mathura to Devaki, the wife of Vasudeva. This sacred event is commemorated with great fervor and festivities across the country.
Dahi Handi Celebration on Krishna Janmashtami:
On this day, Krishna temples are beautifully adorned with garlands and lights. Devotees observe fasts and sing Krishna bhajans at night to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami. A popular tradition on Janmashtami is the Dahi Handi or Matki Phod event. In this ritual, a pot filled with buttermilk or yogurt is hung high with a rope, and young boys, known as Govindas, form human pyramids to break the pot with a coconut. This day is also considered very auspicious for purchasing gold and silver jewelry and other items.
The Significance of Krishna Janmashtami:
Krishna Janmashtami is a widely celebrated and joyous festival for Hindus around the world. Lord Krishna is revered not only for his playful and mischievous nature but also as an embodiment of wisdom, love, and compassion. This festival encourages devotees to reflect on the teachings of Krishna. It is a celebration that dispels negativity and brings positive energy into our lives. The tradition of decorating Jhankis (tableaus) holds special significance during Janmashtami.
Lord Krishna’s Mastery of 64 Arts and Divine Weapons:
Lord Krishna was not only the greatest archer but also proficient in 64 different arts. Additionally, Lord Krishna is known for his divine weapons, including the Sudarshan Chakra, flute, Narayanastra, Pashupatastra, Vajra, and Trishul. He had two chariots, one named Jaitra and the other Garudadhwaja. His bow was called Sharanga, his sword Nandaka, his mace Kaumodaki, and his conch Panchajanya.