Depicting majestic religious fervour, Krishna Janmashtami is one of the major Hindu festivals celebrated worldwide. Krishna devotees celebrate Lord Krishna's birthday, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu which is widely worshipped in Hindu Religion. Considered the supreme God, he is revered as a being full of compassion and love. Innumerable stories, folklore, and anecdotes showcase Krishna as a supreme being since his childhood. One moment, he is a prankster and a lover; in another, he is a mighty king, guru, and mentor. These various shades of his character are what make his devotees fall in love with him. Keep reading to learn more about Janmashtami!
History of Krishna Janmashtami
Lord Krishna was born at a time when the world was a chaotic place, and freedom was denied to the people. Mother Earth was unable to handle the burden of sins that innumerable rulers and kings committed. So, according to the legends, Earth went to Lord Brahma to appeal for her safety and the peaceful continuation of life. Lord Brahma, known as the world's creator, turned to the Supreme God, Lord Vishnu, for his help. He assured her that soon he would be born on the planet to get rid of all the evils. Thus, the story of the birth of Lord Krishna celebrated during Krishna Janmashtami, began.
Later, on the day of Devaki and Vasudeva marriage, a holy voice echoed through the sky, prophesying that the eighth son from their marriage would cause Kansa's destruction and eventually end all the tyranny on Earth. Thus, Devaki's brother Kansa became vigilant and ensured that none of the couple's children lived. But he failed to do so and eventually was killed by their eighth son, Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated to remember this divine intervention and the birth of the Saviour.
Read More : Janmashtami Celebrations in India
Celebrations and Traditions
This pious festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, which falls in July - August according to the Gregorian calendar. Janmashtami 2024 date in India is the 26th of August. This festival brings families together and strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters, reminding us of the importance of love and protection in our relationships.
Kanha is also worshipped as Svayam Bhagavan. Did you know that he is the source of inspiration for various performance arts as well, such as Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, and Manipuri dance forms? The psychedelic charm of Lord Krishna can be witnessed in places like Vrindavan, Jagannath, Odisha, Dwarka, and Junagadh. The much-loved Lord has been given 108 names by his devotees, such as Madhusudan, Navanita Chora, Parthasarathi, Madhava, Yadhunandana, Nandalal, Radhavallabh, Yogeshwara, Govinda, and more, all being used in different places to worship him.
Date, Time, & Venue of Krishna Janmashtami Festival
This festival falls on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha, as per the Hindu lunar calendar in Shravana. It mostly falls in the month of August, as per the Gregorian calendar. Krishna Janmashtami date 2024 is 26th August, an occasion eagerly awaited by devotees. The festival dedicated to him is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mathura and Vrindavan. However, Janmashtami is a pan-India festival and is celebrated all across the country in states like Delhi, Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and many other parts of India.
Major Attractions of Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna bhakts lovingly use Krishna, Kanha, Gopal, and many other names. Happy Janmashtami is wished all around as Lord Krishna's birth is celebrated worldwide with great fanfare, devotion, and excitement. Preparation to celebrate this day begins early, and cities get decked up to welcome makhanchor. Special prayers are organised in temples, people sing hymns and bhajans, spend time meditating, distribute prasad and sweets, and celebrate the birth of the saviour of the world. Here are some highlights of the festival:
1. Fasting and Jagrans
On this day, people fast, pray, sing, and share sweets with each other. The whole environment oozes bliss, celebration, and enthusiasm. People also participate in night vigils (Jagrans), relishing their lord's bhakti.
2. Krishna Lila
In many temples, Krishna Lilas are organised, depicting the life of Lord Krishna. People come to see and enjoy the birthday of Lord Krishna on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. There are processions, bhajans, kirtans, and Satsang that are organised at many places to celebrate the birthday of the eighth avatar of Vishnu.
3. Janmashtami Food
Janmashtami special foods are prepared with great fervour, and many delightful delicacies are also prepared on this occasion, such as Malai Peda, Makhan Misri & Panjeeri, Shrikhand, Seedai, Murukku, Thatai, Vella Aval, etc.
Read More : Happy Krishna Janmashtami 2024 : Wishes, Quotes And Messages
Best Places to Visit During Janmashtami 2024
Janmashtami 2024 is usually celebrated in August or September. Although this festival is celebrated all over the country, there are some cities where these celebrations are on a massive scale. From forming a human pyramid to colourful decorations, breaking Dahi Handi to ras leelas, there are several ways of celebrating this festival.
1. Mathura
The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura, is famous for the Janmashtami festivities. Thus, this place holds a lot of significance among Hindu devotees. Locals and visitors celebrate this festival with great zest. Festivities like Jhulanotsav and Krishna's idol are bathed in curd, honey, ghee, and milk. If you are wondering “when is Janmashtami in 2024”, it will be celebrated on August 19th.
2. Vrindavan
Located close to Shri Krishna's birthplace, Vrindavan enthusiastically celebrates the festival of Janmashtami. Lord Krishna spent his childhood in this spiritual city. It is also here that Krishna played ras Leela with Radha and Gopis. Celebrations in the city begin ten days before the festival. Temples are decorated with lights and fresh flowers.
3. Gokul
This was the place where Vasudeva took Lord Krishna right after his birth in prison. Due to this reason, this festival is also referred to as Gokulashtami and is celebrated one day after the main festival. Devotees celebrate this day by singing hymns, chanting mantras, blowing shells, and ringing chimes.
4. Dwarka
Dwarka is a beautiful city and the kingdom of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna lived here for 5,000 years after leaving Mathura. The city celebrates a month-long Janmashtami Utsav. Mangal aarti is performed in the temples all across the city.
5. Mumbai
The financial capital of India, Mumbai, is famous not only for its film industry but also for its over-the-top Janmashtami celebrations. The city witnesses Dahi Handi celebrations at various places. People form a human pyramid, and one of them climbs over to perform the ritual of breaking the earthen pot full of curd. It is undoubtedly a lifetime experience. Check out Janmashtami 2024 date and time to see grand celebrations in these cities and across the country.
Are you planning to celebrate this Janmashtami specially? Book your flights or bus tickets to any places where the Janmashtami festival is celebrated with great gusto and fervour. Adotrip is your one-stop platform for comprehensive travel solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Janmashtami
Q 1. Why is Janmashtami celebrated?
A 1. The Janmashtami festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is a widely worshipped God in Hinduism. Considered the supreme God, he is revered as a being full of compassion and love. Innumerable stories, folklore, and anecdotes showcase Krishna as a supreme being since his childhood.
Q 2. When is Janmashtami celebrated?
A 2. Krishna Janmashtami's date in 2024 is August 19th. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Janmashtami is celebrated on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha, which falls in the month of Shravana. According to the Gregorian calendar, it mostly falls in August.
Q 3. Which are the best places to celebrate Janmashtami?
A 3. The best places to celebrate Janmashtami are Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Dwarka, and Mumbai.
Q 4. How should we celebrate Janmashtami?
A 4. We should celebrate Janmashtami with great devotion and reverence for the Lord. We should visit a temple, seek blessings from the deity, sing bhajans, offer prasad, and engage in meditation.
