Krishna Janmashtami, a vibrant and joyous festival, celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is revered for his role in the Bhagavad Gita and his teachings on love, righteousness, and devotion. This day, observed with great enthusiasm across India and by Hindus worldwide, falls on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada.
Devotees engage in fasting, singing devotional songs, and reenacting scenes from Krishna’s life, particularly his childhood mischief and divine exploits. Temples are beautifully adorned, and the iconic “Dahi Handi” event, where young men form human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd, symbolizes Krishna’s playful and adventurous spirit. Janmashtami not only honours the divine but also reinforces the values of love, humility, and compassion that Krishna exemplified throughout his life.
Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura
In Mathura, the celebrations are especially grand, with devotees flocking to the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, believed to be the exact birthplace of Lord Krishna. The temple complex is adorned with lights, flowers, and decorations, and devotees participate in special prayers, kirtans, and bhajans throughout the day and night. At midnight, the moment of Krishna’s birth, a grand “Abhishek” (ritual bathing) of the deity is performed, followed by the distribution of “prasad” to all present.
Across India, people observe the festival by fasting, reciting verses from the Bhagavad Gita, and reenacting scenes from Krishna’s life through “Rasa Lila” performances and “Dahi Handi” events. The Dahi Handi, particularly popular in Maharashtra, sees teams of young men forming human pyramids to reach and break a pot of curd suspended high above, symbolizing Krishna’s love for butter and his playful nature.
