Krishna Janmashtami – August 30: The Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna

Krishna Janmashtami is a special day celebrated by Hindus all across the world in honor of the birth of Lord Krishna. This auspicious day falls on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month Bhadrapada, which usually falls in the months of August and September. This year, Krishna Janmashtami falls on August 30, 2021. The festival is also known as Gokulashtami, Srikrishna Jayanti or simply Janmashtami.

The festival of Krishna Janmashtami holds great significance in the Hindu mythology as it marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is considered to be the ultimate representation of love, wisdom, and righteousness.

According to Hindu legend, Lord Krishna was born in a prison in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva on the auspicious day of Janmashtami. His birth was foretold to end the tyranny of his uncle Kansa, who had imprisoned his parents and killed six of his siblings.

In India, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Devotees celebrate the day by decorating temples and homes with flowers, lights, and rangolis. They also perform Puja, sing devotional songs, and offer Prasad to Lord Krishna.

One of the most popular ritual associated with Krishna Janmashtami is the Dahi Handi. It is a reenactment of an incident from Lord Krishna’s childhood days, where he used to steal Butter (Makhan) from houses with his friends. A pot filled with butter is suspended at a height and young men form a human pyramid to break the pot and retrieve the butter. This ritual symbolizes the endless and selfless love of Lord Krishna.

Krishna Janmashtami is also a day to remember and reflect upon the teachings of Lord Krishna, which emphasizes on leading a life of Dharma (righteousness), Karma (action), and Bhakti (devotion). Devotees observe fasts and visit temples to seek blessings and wisdom from Lord Krishna on this day.

Apart from India, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in other parts of the world where Hinduism prevails such as Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries with significant Hindu population. In some countries, the festival is observed for two days, with the first day known as Krishnashtami and the second day called Kalashtami.

On this Krishna Janmashtami, let us seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and strive to follow his principles of love, compassion, and righteousness in our lives. May this auspicious day bring happiness, prosperity, and peace to all.

#KrishnaJanmashtami #August30 #LordKrishna #Janmashtami2021