As per the Hindu calendar, the festival of Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Shraavana. Also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, the festival of Janmashtami is particular to the Vaishnavism tradition in Hinduism, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
Overview of Janmashtami
Known to be one of the most popular Hindu festivals, Janmashtami is celebrated in a huge manner in the historical twin cities of Mathura and Brindavan. It is here that Lord Krishna spent his childhood and thus the festive spirit of devotion runs high among the people.Legend behind Janmashtami
Lord Krishna parents were Vasudeva and Devaki, who was the sister of the tyrant ruler Kansa, who wanted to kill Krishna because a prophecy said that his sister’s eighth child will bring his doom. Lord Krishna is the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and thus the 8th child of Devaki, who was prophesised to kill his uncle Kansa.Rituals of Janmashtami
On Janmashtami, devotees keep a strict fast. This is broken only at midnight, the time of Krishna's birth. At midnight, the idol of baby Krishna is placed in a small, decorated cradle Then, 'Panch aarti' is performed and the image is bathed with Gangajal in a mixture of curd, milk, honey, dry fruits and tulsi leaves.Read more : Janmashtami , Indian Festival
