Janmashtami 2017: Celebrate Lord Krishna’s Birthday

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and bliss among people. Devotees observed fast on this day and worship the child form of Lord Krishna. This day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna who was the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It was the 8th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravana, when Lord Krishna took birth. That’s why, Janmashtami is also observed on the same day, as per the Hindu Calendar. In 2017, it will be marked on 14th of August. Continue reading this article if you want to learn more...

Lord Krishna or Kanha is believed to be the favorite deity of Hindus. Kanha has many followers, not only in India, but outside the nation as well. Therefore, Krishna Janmashtami or Krishnashtami is celebrated around the world on a very large scale. Like other years, this year will also witness grand celebrations on Gokulashtami in 2017.

Lord Krishna’s devotees call him with different names. Each name signifies love and respect of his devotees and represents the different phases of Lord Krishna’s life. As per beliefs, Lord Krishna has a total of 108 names, such as: Balgopal, Kanha, Govinda, Mohan, Keshava, Shyam, Vasudev, Devesh, Krishna, Devkinandan and many more. Balgopal represents the phase when he was a notorious kid, whereas Kanha represents the phase when he used to play pranks with the Gopis.

One of the favorite name of his devotees is, Govinda and for this reason, there is a very famous saying: Govinda Ala Re Ala. This saying is greatly used in bollywood movie songs for referring Lord Krishna or Kanha. Govinda or Kanha loved to play flute (Bansuri), eating butter (Makhan) and curd (Dahi).

Lord Krishna is an ideal example of - an obedient son, an intelligent student, a romantic lover, and a caring husband. Humans should learn the right demeanour of life from these different aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.

On this day, all the aspects of Kanha are worshiped by his devotees. This article on Shri Krishna Janmashtami will help you in knowing more about Gokulashtami. We are sure that with this article you will celebrate Janmashtami in a more delightful manner.

History Of Shri Krishna Janmashtami Or Gokulashtami

Let’s first discuss about the history of Gokulashtami before celebrating it.

Lord Krishna or Govinda is considered to be the most powerful incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He took birth to destroy the empire of demons from earth. Lord Krishna was the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva.

Devki was the sister of a cruel king, Kansa. Kansa thought that he has all the power and therefore, people should worship him, in place of god. Out of cruelty, he started killing innocent people mercilessly who refuse to honor him. His torture on innocent people was increasing day by day.

One day, there was a revelation that warned Kansa that he will be killed by the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva. In order to stop this, Kansa locked his sister Devaki along with her husband Vasudeva. Whenever, Devaki gave birth to a child, Kansa used to kill that child.

When the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva arrived, Lord Vishnu told Vasudeva to take him to Gokul, where Nanda and Yashoda resided. Vasudeva took the child, and crossed the river Yamuna to reach Gokul. He quietly replaced his son with Yashoda’s daughter and returned back to the prison.

Kansa thought that she was the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva and thus, threw her on a stone. Surprisingly, she transformed into Maa Yogmaya and warned Kansa about his death.

Lord Krishna grew up in Gokul. He killed many monsters there and returned back to Mathura to kill his uncle Kansa.

Since then, Krishnashtami is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna or Govinda.

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Celebrations Of Krishna Janmashtami

Shri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated every year with full zeal and enthusiasm throughout the country. People enact and worship the different phases of Kanha’s life. As Gokulashtami is about to come, so start preparing to transform this Krishna Janmashtami into a grand festival.

Lord Krishna was born at 12 a.m in the midnight; therefore, devotees remain awake till midnight. In most parts of India, people observe a full day fasting to celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna. At 12 a.m in the midnight, people welcome Balgopal with devotional songs, chants, and dance. The priests of the temples offer traditional bath or Abhishek to Balgopal with Panchamrut, made from milk, curd, honey, Ghee and sugar. This year also, the same rituals will be seen everywhere. People will again welcome Balgopal on Srikrishna Jayanti. Don’t miss out visiting Lord Krishna’s temple for some real Janmashtami celebrations.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami In Mathura, Vrindavan and Gokul

Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Vrindavan and Gokul are its nearby places in which Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Today also the streets of Mathura, Vrindavan, and Gokul evoke the name of Lord Krishna.

Being the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura marks a grand celebration of the Janmashtami festival. These celebrations of Mathura attract tourists from all over the country. Young boys and girls enact Rasleela. Rasleela represents the romantic and loving side of Lord Krishna with Radha and Gopis. The whole place of Mathura is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights.

The main Lord Krishna temple of Mathura is Dwarkadhish Temple.

Vrindavan is also associated with the activities of Lord Krishna. The anecdotes of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha can be heard anywhere in Vrindavan.

Some of the main Lord Krishna's temples in Vrindavan are: Madan Mohan temple, Govind Dev temple, Jugal Kishore temple, Radharamana temple, Radha Damodara temple, and Radha Vallabha temple.

Gokul is the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days. It is the place where Nanda and Yashoda resided (Lord Krishna's guardian) and where Kanha's father Vasudeva left him after birth, for a safer custody.

Some of the most famous temples of Lord Krishna in Gokul are: Gokulnath, Madan Mohan, Gopal Lalji, and Morwala.

During the festival of Janmashtami, the whole atmosphere of Mathura, Vrindavan and Gokul fills with his name. It seems like Lord Krishna himself comes there to be a part of celebrations.

The other places of North India such as Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab also celebrate Krishnashtami with full zeal and gusto. People observe a full day fast and offer prayers in devotion of Kanha.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami Or Gokulashtami In Maharashtra

Now, let’s read about the celebrations of Gokulashtami in Maharashtra. Here, Lord Krishna is popularly known as Govinda. On this day, the tradition of celebrating Dahi Handi is followed. Dahi Handi is a very famous ritual of Krishna Janmashtami, which is enjoyed by one and all.

Dahi Handi is performed by the troops of young boys. They do special preparations in advance for performing this ritual. In this tradition, a clay pot full of buttermilk or curd is hanged on a suitable height. The group of boys, also called Govindas, make a human pyramid and try to break that pot. If the pot is broken successfully, a certain cash amount is presented to them as gift. The whole area echos with the sounds of Govinda Ala Re Ala (Govinda has come), while performing Dahi Handi.

Every year, around 2000 Govinda troops compete for the prices and over 4000 handis are hanged throughout the city. Enjoy the ritual of Dahi Handi in Maharashtra on Krishnashtami.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami In Eastern India

Krishna Janmashtami is also a significant festival of East India. People observe whole day fasting and gather at the ISKCON temple to celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami.

Krishna Janmashtami In South India

In South India people celebrate the childhood of Kanha by painting footsteps of Lord Krishna in their homes. This symbolizes the activity of stealing butter by Lord Krishna. People of South India will celebrate this Krishna Janmashtami by following the same rituals.

Gokulashtami In Nepal

Most of the people in Nepal follow Hinduism. They celebrate Janmashtami by observing a full day fast. Devotional songs are sung and prayers are offered to Lord Krishna.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami In Bangladesh

To honor Lord Krishna and celebrate Janmashtami, people of Bangladesh organize a parade from the national temple of Bangladesh to the streets of Old Dhaka. They celebrate Janmashtami (Ashtami Rohini) as a national holiday.

Gokulashtami In United States

A number of Lord Krishna’s followers are seen in U.S also. They celebrate the festival of Janmashtami (Ashtami Rohini) by performing dance and offering prayers at the ISKCON temple.

Krishnashtami Or Ashtami Rohini In Pakistan

Pakistani Hindus also celebrate Janmashtami. To show respect and honor to Lord Krishna, T full day fast is observed and prayers are offered.

You may also like to read more about: Krishna Janmashtami celebrations

Significance Of Shri Krishna Janmashtami

So, as we are discussing all about Krishna Janmashtami, let’s explore its significance with this article on Janmashtami.

Every festival in India comes with a positive message. Every festival teaches us the values of life, and shows us the correct path to be followed.

Similarly, Lord Krishna has been an inspiration from years, who teaches us the right way of living life. He gave the message of “Nishkama Karma”, that is to perform our duties without any thought of reward.

Janmashtami also signifies victory of good over evil. It is a time to remind ourselves the importance of peace and unity in our lives. In this Gokulashtami, try to abolish all the negativity from within.

Fasting on Janmashtami

The fast of Krishna Janmashtami starts from the day of Janmashtami and continues till the Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra. Mostly, it lasts till the sunrise of next day. But sometimes Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra can continue for two days. People who cannot continue fast for two long days can break their fast after the sunrise of next day. But one should wait for the time till Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra are over.

Some people celebrate Janmashtami by keeping “Nirjal Upavas” (fasting even without water), and some people keep “Phalahari Upavas” (in which fruits and milk can be taken). Different people show their love in different ways to Lord Krishna. It is believed that, fast is a mode of getting closer to Lord Krishna, and he fulfills the wishes of his devotees.

Nirjal Upavas:

People who observe Nirjala Upvas cannot consume anything during the whole day. Any liquid or even water is also prohibited during the Nirjal Upvas of Srikrishna Jayanti.

Phalahar Upavas:

Before observing fast, it would be great to talk about the food items of the day. If you are going to keep Janmashtami fast, then you should know the following points:

• You should not consume wheat or grains in any form
• Eatables such as fruits, dry fruits can be consumed.
• Dishes which do not contain wheat or grains can be consumed
• Milk and milk products can be taken
• Avoid intake of non-vegetarian food and alcohol

All the devotees wait for the midnight. After greeting Lord Krishna as Bal Gopal at 12 a.m during the midnight, they consume the Prasad as “blessed food”. This practice of fasting and worshipping Lord Krishna or Govinda on Srikrishna Jayanti increases their spiritual values and purify souls.

You may also like to read more about: Rituals of Krishna Janmashtami festival

Delicious Dishes Of Krishna Janmashtami

Bal Gopal loved eating butter, curd and other milk products. So, ladies prepare a variety of sweet dishes at home to welcome Bal Gopal. These dishes are presented to him as Bhog, and then consumed by the family as Prasad (blessed food). These dishes are also considered as favorite of Bal Gopal or Govinda. Let’s discuss about some sweet dishes which you can offer on Janmashtami.

Sweet Dishes Offered As Bhog on Krishnashtami :

• Kaju cake (cashew nut cake)
• Shrikhand (sweet dish made from hunk curd)
• Apple and almond Halwa
• Kalakand (milk cake)
• Makhane ki Kheer (sweet porridge)
• Mishri Makkhan (mixture of butter and sugar)
• Peda (sweet made of mawa)
• Mishti Doi (sweet curd)
• Rabri (condensed milk with dry fruits)

Dishes Consumed During Janmashtami Or Ashtami Rohini Fast :

• Gopalkala (dish of boiled rice)
• Kuttu ka Pakora
• Singhare ki Poori (deep fried chapati of water chestnut flour)
• Churma Ladoo (a type of sweet)

How To Wish Your Loved Ones On Gokulashtami

You can wish Shri Krishna Janmashtami to your friends and relatives by sending Janmashtami sms. You can also exchange Lord Krishna’s photos and idols with your friends and relatives for giving the good wishes of Janmashtami. You can decorate your Pooja room with the beautiful Lord Krishna wallpapers.

Observe the fast of Krishna Janmashtami with full faith and devotion. Govinda will purify your soul and will show you the right direction of life. We hope that this article have helped in understanding more about the festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami or Govinda. We hope this Janmashtami will bring lots of happiness and prosperity in your life.

Happy Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami to all.