The birth celebration of God Vishnu’s eight avatar Lord Krishna is known to elevate the religious mood of India through prayer gatherings, devotional music, and preparations of special sweets such as makhan mishri, and mathura peda.
Janmashtami is a significant Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, marking His 5251st birth anniversary this year. Celebrated with immense enthusiasm across India, Krishna Janmashtami will take place on August 26, 2024. The occasion is observed with various rituals and festivities to honour Shri Krishna.
Significance of Janmashtami
This year signifies the 5251st birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, usually celebrated with great pomp, and show, which includes reciting readings of Bhagvat Gita. Celebrants will recount His playful childhood deeds, such as butter thefts and His miraculous acts like lifting the Govardhan Hill. The festival also involves reading from the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing Krishna’s teachings and His role in bringing joy and prosperity to devotees.
Where is this festival first celebrated in India?
In Mathura and Vrindavan, where Janmashtami is celebrated with particular fervour, events commence ten days in advance. Cultural and religious activities such as Rasleelas, Bhajans, and Kirtans are held. Vrindavan, home to over 400 Krishna temples, features the ‘Abhishek,’ a midnight ritual where Krishna is bathed in milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and water, symbolizing his birth.
One of the most anticipated traditions is the Chappan Bhog, a grand offering of 56 different dishes as prasad to devotees. Additionally, the Dahi Handi events, reflecting Krishna’s love for butter, involve young men forming human pyramids to break suspended pots filled with curd, adding a lively and competitive element to the celebrations.
