Sri Krishna Janmashtami: Celebration of the incarnation of God

Many festivals are celebrated in India, which are not only associated with religious faith, but also have deep cultural, spiritual and social messages hidden in them. This festival is celebrated with great reverence and joy not only in India, but also by crores of Krishna devotees spread all over the world.

Birth of Shri Krishna: A ray of light in darkness

This was the time when there was a reign of injustice and oppression on earth. Devaki’s brother Kansa was a cruel ruler who imprisoned Devaki and Vasudev because the Akashvani had predicted that Devaki’s eighth child would be the cause of his death.

At the time of birth, there was darkness all around in Mathura, it was raining, and the Yamuna river was in spate. In that difficult situation, Vasudev took Shri Krishna in a basket and reached Gokul, where he was handed over to Yashoda and Nand Baba. It was not just the birth of a child, but the beginning of the victory of Dharma over Adharma.

Significance of Janmashtami
Janmashtami is not only celebrated to commemorate the birth of Shri Krishna, but it also reminds us of the messages of his life which are as relevant today as they were then. The path of karma, bhakti, and knowledge shown by Shri Krishna in the Gita is an invaluable heritage for humanity.

He taught that—

Keep doing karma, do not worry about the result. True devotion is that which is pure and selfless.

Glimpse of the celebration
Temples are decorated, special prayers are performed, tableaux are decorated, and events like ‘Dahi Handi’ are organized. Children dress up as Shri Krishna and Radha, songs and bhajans are sung, and the aarti of Shri Krishna’s birth is performed at midnight.

Janmashtami is celebrated in a grand manner in Mathura and Vrindavan. Bhajans and kirtans are performed in the temples here throughout the day and the child plays of Shri Krishna are staged at night.

Tradition of ‘Dahi Handi’

The special attraction of Janmashtami in Maharashtra is the ‘Dahi Handi’ competition. It gives a glimpse of Shri Krishna’s child plays. In Gokul, Shri Krishna used to steal butter with his friends, which was called ‘Makhan Chori’. Remembering these plays, the youth try to break the pot hanging at a height by forming a human pyramid of several layers. This event is not only a part of the festival, but has also become a symbol of teamwork, courage and enthusiasm.

Shri Krishna’s message in today’s era
Today, when the world is going through many conflicts, conflicts and imbalances, Shri Krishna’s message becomes even more important. Whether it is the teachings given to Arjun on the battlefield, or the childhood pastimes in Gokul, we have been taught the art of living in every moment.

• When we get stuck in the dilemma of decision, Shri Krishna’s Geeta Updesh shows us the way.
• When we get entangled in relationships, the supernatural love of Shri Krishna and Radha teaches us selflessness.
• When we become silent in the face of injustice, his killing of Kansa reminds us that standing against evil is Dharma.

The following things happen on Janmashtami:

1. Special worship of Shri Krishna’s birth:  At 12 midnight (when Shri Krishna is believed to have been born), special aarti and puja are performed. Thousands of devotees gather at the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple.

2. Tableaux and processions: Tableaux are taken out all over the city, depicting incidents from Shri Krishna’s life – such as Kansa Vadh, butter theft, Raasleela, Govardhan Puja, etc. Devotees dress up children as Shri Krishna and include them in the tableaux.

3. Dahi Handi festival: A group of Govindas form a human pyramid and break the Dahi Handi hanging at a height, which depicts the leela of Balkrishna stealing butter.

4. Kirtan and Bhajan Sandhya: Bhajan-kirtan continues day and night in temples. Raasleela drama is also staged at many places.

5. Special decorations: The entire Mathura city is decorated with diyas, colourful lights and flowers. The temples are full of chandeliers, fringes and decorative tableaus.

6. Crowd of devotees and security arrangements: Lakhs of devotees come for darshan, so there are tight security arrangements.

Special trains and bus services are also operated.

7. Annakut Prasad: After the birth, Annakut (food offering) is offered and distributed among the devotees as prasad.

Conclusion
Shri Krishna Janmashtami is not just a religious festival, but a celebration that illuminates every aspect of life. This day reminds us that whenever injustice, unrighteousness and darkness increase on the earth, then God will incarnate in some form or the other and establish Dharma.

Even in today’s era, if we adopt the principles of Shri Krishna in our life, then not only our life but the society also can become peaceful, prosperous and balanced.

Buy Poshak for your Laddu Gopal ji for every occasion from Here