Krishna Janmashtami is the celebration of the birth
of Lord Shri Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, believed to have
been born about five thousand years ago in Mathura in 'Dwapar Yuga'.
This celebration is said to be revealed originally by the Sri Krishna
himself to Yudhishthira, the eldest of Pandavas, as mentioned in the
Bhavishyottara Puran. He was born to Vasudev and Devki, who were
imprisoned by Devki's evil brother Kansa and was brought up by Nand and
Yashoda. The birth of Lod Krishna is believed to be symbolic of our
imprisonment in worldly illusions, where He took birth with us and led
us to salvation and peace, vanquishing all evils depicted by Kansa in
the story.
Hindus all over India observe fast on this day and recite the life
story and teachings of Sri Krishna noted in the form of 'shlokas' in
Bhagwad Gita. Temples of Lord Krishna are decorated most beautifully and
children are adorned as Lord Krishna and Radhika, his spiritual beloved.
Krishna Leela or the plays depicting scenes from Krishna's life,
especially childhood, are performed. At midnight, when Lord Krishna was
believed to have taken birth, an 'aarti' is performed and people break
their fasts by feasting on sweets and delicious dishes prepared
especially for the occasion. In many parts, the child Krishna is
installed in a swing and offered sumptuous food, especially 'Makkhan'
(butter) and 'Mishri' (sugar cubes).
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Festivals of India |
