Krishnastami
Krishashtami is a festival in the Hindu Calendar celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.
Krishnashtami is popularly known as Janmashtami all over India. Some people also call this festival as Gokulashtami (alternate name for Krishna). This one of the biggest festivals celebrated all over India.
Birth of Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna was born on the 8th day in the month of Bhadrapada (August- September). Therefore, every year 8th day in the month of Bhadrapada is celebrated as Krishnashtami.
According to Hindu Scriptures, Lord Krishna came into this world as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and the destroyer of the evil on this day.
Many people celebrate this day as the day of victory of good over evil.
Significance of Krishnastami
Lord Krishna’s birth symbolizes the end of Dwapara and the commencement of Kalyuga. It is believed that the main motive behind his birth on Earth was to end the evil acts in that period.
It shows people’s faith in Lord Krishna. The main significance of Janmashtami is because, Lord Krishna went on dethroned Kansa from his kingdom by killing him and ending his Evil Acts.
Celebrating Krishnastami in India
Krishnastami is celebrated across all states and the enthusiasm and devotion remains the same across the country but the ways of celebrating the festival are different.
People all over the country celebrate by flying kites, some places have fairs where traditional sweets, traditional dresses are worn. Some people celebrate by observing fast.
Many places, there are small acts conducted such as Ras lila or Krishna Lila. Temples and surroundings sing devotional songs until midnight to welcome Lord Krishna who was born at midnight. People do Jagran (stay awake all night) in respect of Lord Krishna. In the morning, kids all over the country are dressed as Kanhas (Lord Krishna’s nickname) and have a lot of fun.
Dahi Handi
Dahi Handi is a team sport played across the country in memory of Lord Krishna’s love for Makhan. Young boys form a human pyramid to reach the high held pot which is filled with yoghurt (Makhan) and break it to win the competition.
Celebrations happen in every part of the country but some states truly stand out in their mesmerizing celebrations.
Here are some states that are well known for their celebrations.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is the go-to destination if you are planning to celebrate Janmashtami away from home.
Mathura, being the birthplace of Lord Krishna has around 400 temples that are dedicated to him. Krishna Janmasthan Temple
The most famous temple among all is the Krishna Janmasthan Temple. All these temples are beautifully decorated to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.
Gokul & Vrindavan are also famous for the tales of Lord Krishna. These places also celebrate this festival on a large scale. The temples across Uttar Pradesh start celebrations 10 days in advance, such is the excitement, enthusiasm, devotion, and belief of the people in Lord Krishna.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Krishnashtmi is well known as Gokulashtami. People in Maharashtra, namely Mumbai and Pune celebrate this festival by keeping Dahi Handi competitions for breaking a high held earthern port that is filled with mainly yogurt, milk, water and fruits. Various youth form a team called Govinda Pathaks and compete in forming a human pyramid and breaking the pot that is hung high.
Cash Prizes worth 10 Lakhs and above are offered at a few places in the city. Mumbai City also witnesses foreign teams that participate in these competitions.
Gujarat
In the state of Gujarat lies Dwarka. Dwarka city was established by Lord Krishna and his elder brother Balram. In Dwarka, Krishnastami is celebrated by decorating the streets with diyas & flowers to welcome Lord Krishna. Dwarkadhish temple is the center of attraction for all the visitors and the localities.
Manipur
In Manipur, Imphal is the city that sees a huge crowd of devotees & tourists at Mahabali Temple and Shree Govindjee Temple. It is a tradition here to offer a floral tribute to Lord Krishna. The Folk dances performances are the show stoppers in the whole city of Imphal.
Krishnastami is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm by Hindus not only across all states in India but also all over the world. In “Janmashtami Journey”