Impressive Details On Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations 2024.

 

Celebrating a birthday is an occasion that brings joy to one's life. Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival done to celebrate Lord Krishna's birth. The name Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Gokulashtami. It is a festival celebrated each year dedicated to Krishna (The avatar of Lord Vishnu).

This year's (2024) celebration will be on the 26^th of August. In the Hindu calendar, the festival comes on the eighth day of Shravana month. According to ancient Hindu stories Lord Vishnu came on earth and changed himself to Krishna's form to accomplish the mission of killing Kansa. Kansa was a demon believed to be a brother of Devaki.

The Astrological Significance of Krishna Janmashtami.

During the birth of Krishna, the moon was in the vanishing phase (Krishna Paksha) in Asthami tithi. In Hindu calendar, it shows that she was born during the Bhadrapada month. The Astrologist uses this time to calculate Janmashtami times and dates. According to beliefs, Krishna protects the world from its destroyers.

Krishna Janmashtami Significance.

As one goes through the Hindu scriptures, it is said that Krishna was born in Mathura city. The birth took place on the day of Ashtami Tithi. Krishna's parents were Devaki and Vasudeva. A particular prophecy stated that "Kansa (Devaki’s brother) will be killed by the son of Devaki due to his sins”. Kansa became unhappy because of this prophecy and threw her sister and her husband in jail.

He tried every way to stop the prophecy from being fulfilled even by killing his brother's children after they were born. When Krishna was born (Being the eighth child), magic happened and everyone was in a deep sleep, creating a chance for Vasudeva to protect the baby from Kansa. Vasudeva took the infant to the home of Nanda and Yashodha to Vrindavan. The infant became the Lord Vishnu’s avatar who put the Kansas reign off by killing Him. The infant got the name Sri Krishna which means “the all-attractive one”.

Rituals conducted during Krishna Janmashtami festival.

Rituals conducted during the Krishna Janmashtami occasion are enjoyed by everyone. The rituals involve:

• v  Chanting the name of Lord Krishna and singing the devotional songs to him throughout the day. This singing and chanting by devotees shows dedication and devotion to Lord Krishna.
• v  Passages taken from Bhagavad Gita are said aloud to remember the teaching of Krishna.
• v  Devotees fast until midnight; at a time, they believe Krishna was born. The fasting day shows the dedication accorded to Lord Krishna by the devotees.
• v  Devotees are entitled to offer sugar, milky sweets, Khoya, and dry fruits to soothe Gopal in remembering Makhan (who was dear to Lord Krishna).
• v  Children perform Raas Leela and act skits to show the story of Krishna’s life. They also dress like Krishna.

Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami festival.

Hindus from all over the world celebrate this festival between 2 to 3 days. The festival involves singing, drama skits, and reciting scriptures written about the life of Lord Krishna. All night songs, fasting is done and celebrations take place as people are supplied with sweets and delicacies.

Rules concerning fasting during Krishna Janmashtami.

Fasting during the Krishna Janmashtami festival includes:

• Ø  Do not eat any grain until fasting is over.
• Ø  Follow the rules of Ekadashi fasting.
• Ø  Conduct Parana (Breaking the fast) at the exact time given. It is done the following day at the end of Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra.

Krishna Janmashtami dates.

Krishna Janmashtami takes two consecutive days. The two days are:

• ·         Smarta Sampradaya.
• ·         Vaishanava Sampradaya.

Events and Timings on Krishna Janmashtami festival 2024.

The below table shows the events and timings during the two days of the Krishna Janmashtami festival:

Event.	Date.	Time.
Sunrise	August 26	6:11 am.
Sunset.	August 26	6:46 pm.
Nishita Kaal Timing.	August 27	12:05 am to 12:51 am.
Ashtami Tithi Timing.	August 26 to August 27.	3:39 am to 2:20 am the next day.
Rohini Nakshatra Timing.	August 26 to August 27	3:55 pm to 3:38 pm the next day.
Parana time (Nishita Kaal End)	August 27
Parana time (After Ashtami Tithi)	August 27	2:20 am
Parana Time (Next sunrise)	August 27	6:11 am

 

Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in Indian states.

In India, states receive the Krishna Janmashtami with great joy. Some of the states are such as:

v  North India: It is known as the biggest festival. Activities done include:

·         Celebrating the Raas Leela custom.

·         Kite flying.

v  Maharashtra: The day after Krishna Janmashtami is the "Dahi Handi" festival. Activity during the day is that devotees break the earthen pot of yogurt known as “Dahi Handi”.

v  Northeastern and Eastern India: Activities of the day include:

·         Performance of Radha-Krishna Raslila dance.

·         Reciting of Bhagavata Gita.

·         Reciting the chapter ten of Bhagavata Purana.

v  West Bengal and Odisha: Also known as Sri Krishna Odisha. Activities of the day include:

·         Fasting till midnight.

·         Worshipping.

·         Memorizing the Bhagavata Purana tenth chapter.

·         The next day is a celebration to honor the foster parents of Krishna (Yashoda and Nanda). The festival is termed as "Nanda Utsav”.

v  South India: Also called Gokula Ashtami. Activities celebrated include:

·         Decorating floors by use of kolam in Tamil Nadu.

·         Singing devotional songs to honor Krishna.

·         Offering betel, butter, and fruits to Krishna.

v  Rajasthan and Gujarat:  Activities conducted include:

·         Conducting Makhan Handi ritual.

·         Singing of folk dances and bhajans.

·         Visit Lord Krishna’s temple.

Abroad celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami.

 Countries that celebrate the Krishna Janmashtami are:

Ø  USA: Celebrations commence in the early morning as people participate in cultural events. The Krishna followers and troupes participate in the beautiful events.

Ø  Singapore: Activities done include:

·         Cultural events are done at the temples.

·         Krishna chanting competition.

Ø  Nepal: Activities include:

·         Fasting until midnight.

·         Reciting verses from the Bhagavad Gita.

·         Singing religious songs.

Ø  Bangladesh: The day is said to be a national holiday with numerous activities being done.

Ø  Fiji: Celebrates the festival as they meet in homes and temples. They carry their "Mandalis". They refer to the celebration as "Krishna Ashtami".

FAQs.

1. 1.      What do we celebrate during the Krishna Janmashtami festival?

During the Krishna Janmashtami festival, we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.

1. 2.      Which month is the Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?

The Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in the month of August.