What is Krishna Janmashtami?
Krishna Janmashtami, also called Krishna Jayanthi or Gokulashtami, is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, who is regarded as the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most important and widely celebrated events in the Hindu calendar. Krishna followers celebrate the event with great fervour and devotion all throughout India and around the world.
When exactly is Krishna Janmashtami in 2024?
In 2024, Thursday, August 29th, will be the date of Krishna Janmashtami. The Hindu lunar calendar determines the exact day of Krishna Janmashtami, which falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada. According to lunar calendar calculations, August 29th is the lucky day in 2024.
The Ashtami Tithi starts at 03:39 AM on August 26, 2024 and concludes at 02:19 AM on August 27, 2024. The Rohini Nakshatra, which marks Lord Krishna's birth, begins at 03:55 PM on August 26 and concludes at 03:38 PM on August 27. The Nishita Puja, a prominent ceremony during Janmashtami, is set for 12:17 AM to 01:03 AM on August 27.
How do you celebrate Krishna Janmashtami?
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated by fasting, singing devotional songs, describing stories about Krishna's life, performing dances and dramas (Krishna Lila), adorning temples and residences, and holding midnight vigils, as it is believed Krishna was born at midnight. Devotees also make special sweets to donate to Krishna idols, and others take part in the "Dahi Handi" (pot-breaking) ritual, which represents Krishna's playful character.
What advantages does Krishna Janmashtami offer?
Krishna Janmashtami provides spiritual advantages such as increasing devotion to Lord Krishna, creating unity via communal events, and encouraging religious activities like fasting and prayer. It also helps to educate people about Krishna's teachings and to promote moral and ethical behaviour through lessons from his life. It also strengthens cultural identity and legacy among Hindus around the world.
How do we celebrate Krishna Janmashtami at home?
At home, Krishna Janmashtami celebrations include decorating with flowers and representations of Krishna, fasting till midnight, putting on a special puja using candies and fruits, singing kirtans and bhajans, and praying and performing aarti to honour Krishna's birth at midnight. While some families cook a vegetarian feast to share with loved ones, others put on dance dramas like Raas Leela. The next day, the fast is ended with the sharing of prasad, which represents Lord Krishna's blessings.
What is the favourite food of Lord Krishna?
According to Hindu scriptures and tradition, Lord Krishna's favourite foods are butter (makhan) and dairy products such as yoghurt (dahi). He is famously known as "Makhan Chor" or "Butter Thief" due to his fondness for butter. Therefore, butter and dairy products are very important in the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami, and they are frequently served as prasad (blessed food) during his festivals.