Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. Read this article to learn about the scientific benefits of this festival, how it is celebrated in different places, what is the auspicious time & method to observe it, & what are the interesting stories around it.
Janmashtami is a festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, the birth of the eighth son of Lord Vasudev and Devaki. Lord Krishna was born at midnight of Rohini Nakshatra, 8th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August – September).
On this day, he came to the world as the eighth Avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu and destroyer of evil. Ever since his birth, every 8th day is called Krishnapaksha and if Ashtami tithi comes in the month of Bhadrapada in Rohini Nakshatra, then it is celebrated as Krishna Janmashtami.
The enthusiasm for this festival is seen throughout India and even a few other countries around the globe. The followers of Smaart Sampradaya celebrate Janmashtami on Chandrodaya Vyapani Ashtami, i.e., Rohini Nakshatra, and the vaishnavites celebrate Janmashtami on the Udayakal Vyapani Ashtami and Udayakal Rohini Nakshatra. Janmashtami is celebrated in different ways in various cultures.
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated for two days: The first day is known as Krishna Jayanti and the second day is popularly known as Dahi Handi. Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting, singing, praying together, preparing, and sharing special food, decorating the altar and deity of Lord Krishna, visiting temple of lord Krishna. Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna organize special ‘darshan’ (auspicious sight) for devotees and the ‘Bhagavata Purana’ and ‘Bhagavad Gita’ are recited.
In many cultures, a dance drama is organized - known as ‘Raslila’ - particularly in the regions of Mathura, Assam, Manipur, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. People decorate their houses with flowers and light. The ritual of Dahi Handi follows Janmashtami celebration the next day.
‘Dahi’ is yogurt or curd. A ‘handi’ or a clay pot with yogurt, butter or any another milk-based food is placed at a height. Young men in groups attempt to break this pot by forming a human pyramid. This age-old practice is based on the legend of Lord Krishna mischievously stealing butter and curd as a child from neighboring homes in Gokul along with his friends. Which is why, he is also endearingly called ‘Makhan Chor’ (butter thief). The neighbours would try to avert his mischief by hanging the pots high, out of his reach, but Krishna would find creative ways to reach them.
Gujarat and Rajasthan: They celebrate Dahi Handi as Makhan Handi. Devotees visit the Dwarkadhish Temple, partake in popular activities organized in carnival style, playful poetry, and works of Dayaram – a scholar of the Pushtimarg of Vaishnavism.
North India: Janmashtami is popularly celebrated in cities like Mathura where Lord Krishna was born, in Vrindavan where he grew up, in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and the Himalayan region. This festival is hugely celebrated as a Raslila tradition, where devotees partake in singing, dancing, chanting the Lord’s names and the belief that Radha and Krishna symbolize the Divine Love of the Human Soul.
East and Northeast India: People of the Hindu Vaishnava communities celebrate it. The ideas of Sankardeva and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu have shaped the philosophical thoughts in the region, and they introduced Borgeet, Ankia Naat, Sattriya and Bhakti Yoga – which are extremely popular even today in Assam and West Bengal. In Manipur, Manipuri dance form evolved as a classical dance form that depicts the love inspired dance drama arts of Radha – Krishna (Raslila). Known for its Hindu Vaishnavism themes, Manipuri Dance is very popular and even parents dress up their children as characters from the legends of Krishna, such as Gopis and Krishna, and make them participate in Raslila.
In Odisha and West Bengal, specifically in the areas of Puri and Nabadwip respectively, Janmashtami is celebrated as Krishna Jayanti. People observe fast and worship till midnight. Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita are recited. The next day is called ‘Nanda Ucchhaba’ or the celebration of Krishna’s foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda. Devotees bring water of Ganga water to bathe Radha and Madhava (another name for Lord Krishna) during Abhisheka ceremony (bathing the Lord’s idol) at midnight.
South India: Janmashtami is known as Gokulashtami. In Kerala, people celebrate it in the month of September as per Malayalam Calendar. People make footprints of Lord Krishna as Kolam or Rangoli from the entrance of the to the altar / Puja room. They decorate the house with flowers and mango leaves and make different varieties of savories and sweets. The ambience is like hosting a guest in the house. The festival is celebrated at midnight by observing fast.
On Janmashtami, the custom is to offer Lord Krishna 56 dishes to savour. Lord Krishna’s mother Yashoda used to feed him with her hands eight times in a day. Legend goes - every year, Brijwasi or the residents of Brij/Braj used to organize a special puja for Lord Indra, who in turn, would send rain. Lord Krishna stopped this puja and said that it’s Lord Indra’s duty to send rain every year, and that Govardhan Mountain that gives fruits, vegetables and shelter should be worshipped. All the villagers agreed and everyone started worshipping the Govardhan Mountain instead of organizing a puja for Lord Indra. Quite angry at the development, Indra sent heavy rains which flooded the entire village. The villagers were horrified. But, Lord Krishna saved them by lifting the Govardhan Mountain with his little finger so it could act as a shelter to all villagers and animals. The rain stopped on the 8th day. Yashoda prepared 56 different delicacies for Lord Krishna, to represent the 7 days of fasting and 8 ‘pahar’ (a traditional unit of time), amounting to a total of 56.
According to the Bhagavad Gita, whenever there will be the predominance of evil and decline of religion, Lord Krishna will reincarnate to kill the evil and save the good. The significance of Janmashtami is to encourage goodwill and discourage the evil. It also signifies unity and faith.
As per mythological folklore, Lord Krishna’s maternal uncle – Kans Mama – wanted to kill all the newborn babies of his sister when he learnt that his sister’s child will cause his death. Being most savage and brutal, he annihilated his sister’s newborn babies to protect himself. But as per the divine plan, the 8th baby of Devaki, that is Lord Krishna, killed Kans. To keep this newborn alive, Devaki and Vasudeva decided to set him free. Lord Krishna was taken by his father Vasudeva, just after his birth, to Vrindavan. He was brought up there and nurtured with immense love and care by his non-biological parents, Yashoda and Nandalal.
Nandalal was a local cowherd in the Vrindavan vicinity and a dear friend of Vasudeva. Lord Krishna was taken proper care of in Gokul and he grew up to eventually kill Kans. The incarnation of Lord Krishna was fulfilled by the death of Kans.
Lord Krishna was born on the Ashtami Tithi; the ruling lord of this Tithi is Lord Shiva. It is highly effective for achieving victory and accomplishing tasks that involve bravery and courage. The energy that flows on this day, and the manner in which it does, also gives a person the courage to face life and overcome adversities.
Lord Krishna chose Ashtami Tithi to fulfill the task of killing Kans and other demonic forces. Hence, work done during Ashtami Tithi gives you the strength to defeat your enemies. This Tithi can be chosen to fulfill assignments related to creative writing, home, architecture, renovation, construction, precious gems, ammunitions, and celebrations can be carried out on this day.
Lord Krishna has all the qualities of someone who is born on Ashtami Tithi - desire to do good for society and impressive oratory skills.
Rohini Nakshatra is supposed to be one of the brightest possible stars, governed by ‘Brahma’, who epitomizes the essence of creation, fertility, conception, growth, and is led by the planetary influence of Moon. Krishna has the substantial quality of charm and magnetism of Rohini Nakshatra.
Those born in Rohini Nakshatra rely more on gestures than words in turning a situation to their advantage. Rohini Nakshatra makes one essentially creative, imaginative and talented; combines imagination with action. Rohini Nakshatra is also associated with prosperity, abundance, beauty, with a hypnotizing effect on others. No wonder women or ‘gopis’ enjoyed Lord Krishna’s company and, it is believed, that he has multiple affairs.
The Institute of ISKCON, which is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, has founded the principles of Vaishnava traditions and most followers of the ISKCON are the followers of Vaishnavism.
Last Updated on
November 08, 2022 
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