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Janmashtami is celebrated throughout the country with immense zeal and fervor in order to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. The celebration of Janmashtami is at its apex at the birth place of Lord Krishna i.e in Mathura. The city is about 145 kms from the national capital of India, New Delhi. It is said that it was one of the midnights of a Sharvan day, when Lord Krishna was born in the Rohini Nakshatra as the savior of humanity. Historians depict that this incident happened five thousand years back in the prison of the Demon King Kansa in Mathura. However, the holy land of Mathura still commemorates this pious and fortunate incident by grand celebration on this occasion.
The grand celebration at Mathura takes place at the actual birth place of Lord Krishna, which has now been rechristened into a grand temple known as Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. Inside this temple, the statue of Lord's idol is placed in a room also known as the ‘Garbha Griha’. Here in Mathura, people celebrate all the Janmasthami celebrations at this temple. They religiously decorate the temple and their home in order to welcome their deity.
The celebration goes on for two days, in which they celebrate their first day by keeping day-long fast and celebrations and feast at midnight after the birth time of Bhagwan Krishna. The second day is also the day of celebratiosn and feasting. The entire city of Mathura is immersed in the devotion of Lord Krishna by singing, dancing and chanting in the names of Lord Krishna. It is expected that every year about 8 lakhs devotees turn up in Mathura on this occasion and the number is increasing day by day.
Janmashtami Celebrations
Krishna-Janmotsava (Midnight celebrations)
The midnight celebration is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. It comprises of Pooja and other rituals. During the Pooja, the idol of Lord Krishna is bathed with milk and curd (panchamrit) and then rocked in the cradle. It is said that if you make any holy wish while cradling Lord Krishna with full heart, it is certain to be fulfilled. The entire Mathura city of Mathura gets immersed in the devotion of Krishna and the echoes of Krishna bhajan and bells. Lord is here fed with prasad of ‘Chhapan Bhog’ (Fifty six dishes). Later the devotees break their fast with these ‘bhog’ and panchamrit.
Performance of Rasleelas
The entire city of Mathura is then flooded with performance of the Rasleelas of Krishna by professional and amateur artists. Some of them are so mesmerizing that the devotees get overwhelmed with their devotion for Lord Krishna.
Jhanki (Tableau)
A Jhanki is a series of scenes depicting the various phases of one’s life. In a Krishna Jhanki, the different stages of the life of Lord Krishna are shown all over the Mathura. They include interesting incidents like - Janmlila, Shankarlila, Putanalila and Naglila.
Jhulanotsav
It is only in the Mathura City that during Jhulanotsav, the swings are hanged in courtyard of temples and all the houses to welcome baby Lord Krishna. The swings are decorated with beautiful flowers and bells to give a festive look.
Ghatas
The celebration of Sri Krishna's birth in Mathura is incomplete without Ghatas. It is a month-long exclusive feature, wherein all the temples of Mathura are adorned with the same color as per the selected theme. Even the idol of Lord Krishna is decorated with the same color.
The grand celebration at Mathura takes place at the actual birth place of Lord Krishna, which has now been rechristened into a grand temple known as Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. Inside this temple, the statue of Lord's idol is placed in a room also known as the ‘Garbha Griha’. Here in Mathura, people celebrate all the Janmasthami celebrations at this temple. They religiously decorate the temple and their home in order to welcome their deity.
The celebration goes on for two days, in which they celebrate their first day by keeping day-long fast and celebrations and feast at midnight after the birth time of Bhagwan Krishna. The second day is also the day of celebratiosn and feasting. The entire city of Mathura is immersed in the devotion of Lord Krishna by singing, dancing and chanting in the names of Lord Krishna. It is expected that every year about 8 lakhs devotees turn up in Mathura on this occasion and the number is increasing day by day.
Janmashtami Celebrations
Krishna-Janmotsava (Midnight celebrations)
The midnight celebration is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. It comprises of Pooja and other rituals. During the Pooja, the idol of Lord Krishna is bathed with milk and curd (panchamrit) and then rocked in the cradle. It is said that if you make any holy wish while cradling Lord Krishna with full heart, it is certain to be fulfilled. The entire Mathura city of Mathura gets immersed in the devotion of Krishna and the echoes of Krishna bhajan and bells. Lord is here fed with prasad of ‘Chhapan Bhog’ (Fifty six dishes). Later the devotees break their fast with these ‘bhog’ and panchamrit.
Performance of Rasleelas
The entire city of Mathura is then flooded with performance of the Rasleelas of Krishna by professional and amateur artists. Some of them are so mesmerizing that the devotees get overwhelmed with their devotion for Lord Krishna.
Jhanki (Tableau)
A Jhanki is a series of scenes depicting the various phases of one’s life. In a Krishna Jhanki, the different stages of the life of Lord Krishna are shown all over the Mathura. They include interesting incidents like - Janmlila, Shankarlila, Putanalila and Naglila.
Jhulanotsav
It is only in the Mathura City that during Jhulanotsav, the swings are hanged in courtyard of temples and all the houses to welcome baby Lord Krishna. The swings are decorated with beautiful flowers and bells to give a festive look.
Ghatas
The celebration of Sri Krishna's birth in Mathura is incomplete without Ghatas. It is a month-long exclusive feature, wherein all the temples of Mathura are adorned with the same color as per the selected theme. Even the idol of Lord Krishna is decorated with the same color.
History of Janmashtami
Celebrated on the eighth day of Savana month, Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated across the length and breadth of India, by people following Hinduism. In fact, it is an important day for Hindus. The celebration goes on for two days. On the first day, the Raslila (dance drama) is performed, which depicts the important phases of Shri Krishna's life. The merrymaking reaches it peak at midnight stroke, when aarti is performed and bhajans are sung to praise the Lord. Small children are dresses as the young Krishna and his playmate Radha. Then there are folklores and stories which are recited on the occasion, they are generally connected to the history of Janmashtami, which can be traced back to the ancient era. Read the following lines to get information on the history of Janmashtami.
The history of Janmashtmi dates back to thousand years. There are also several legends and stories associated with this festival. If you start exploring the origin of the festival, you will end up listening to thousands of folklores related to Krishna and his birth. It is believed that Lord Krishna was the incarnation of Vishnu, one of the three most important Hindu Gods. It is commonly believed that he took birth for killing Kansa, the unreligious demon king of Mathura and other demons, to establish a kingdom of peace, prosperity and religion on earth and to spread the message of brotherhood and humanity.
In his preaching to Arjuna in the Holy Bhagvad Gita he says ‘Whenever the balance of the universe is disturbed by external interference from any of its parts, then I reveal myself as the Power of eternal balancing. For the protection of those who are in harmony, and the rectification of everything disharmonious, I incarnate myself at every juncture of time.’ So, it is assumed that the form of God will return back on earth for the establishment of peace, religion and prosperity in society once again when required. The celebration of Janmashtami is also a way to commemorate his holy deeds on earth for the mankind.
Historians calculate that the birth of Lord Krishna goes back to the Dwapar Yug. It is in the year of Visvavasu around 3227 BC when Lord Krishna was born. He was born on a dark, stormy night on the day eight day of the second fortnight of the month of Shravana which now corresponds to the month of August-September in the Gregorian calendar. Born in the prison of Demon Kansa, from Kansa’s sister Devaki and Vasudeva, Krishna was declared to be the savior of mankind and the end of Kansa even before his birth. Krishna, right from the day of birth exhibited that he was a special child and there was extraordinary powers with him. Throughout his childhood and adolescence in Gokul, he did many things which made people believe that he was a form of God. Since then, the people of Nandgaon celebrated the birth of Krishna as a day of fortune.
Even thousands of years after his heavenly abode, people observe this day as a day of fortune and commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna by fasting and feasting. People believe Krishna to be the ultimate savior of the world. One who unlike other gods, can be regarded, as a lover, friend, divine guru or one’s own child. People mesmerized with Krishna’s persona and deeds can be seen singing and dancing in the name of Krishna to eternity on the day of Janmashtami. It is the deep faith and devotion of people towards him that the festival is still celebrated with a great honor, joy as well as elation as it was celebrated thousands of years back.
The history of Janmashtmi dates back to thousand years. There are also several legends and stories associated with this festival. If you start exploring the origin of the festival, you will end up listening to thousands of folklores related to Krishna and his birth. It is believed that Lord Krishna was the incarnation of Vishnu, one of the three most important Hindu Gods. It is commonly believed that he took birth for killing Kansa, the unreligious demon king of Mathura and other demons, to establish a kingdom of peace, prosperity and religion on earth and to spread the message of brotherhood and humanity.
In his preaching to Arjuna in the Holy Bhagvad Gita he says ‘Whenever the balance of the universe is disturbed by external interference from any of its parts, then I reveal myself as the Power of eternal balancing. For the protection of those who are in harmony, and the rectification of everything disharmonious, I incarnate myself at every juncture of time.’ So, it is assumed that the form of God will return back on earth for the establishment of peace, religion and prosperity in society once again when required. The celebration of Janmashtami is also a way to commemorate his holy deeds on earth for the mankind.
Historians calculate that the birth of Lord Krishna goes back to the Dwapar Yug. It is in the year of Visvavasu around 3227 BC when Lord Krishna was born. He was born on a dark, stormy night on the day eight day of the second fortnight of the month of Shravana which now corresponds to the month of August-September in the Gregorian calendar. Born in the prison of Demon Kansa, from Kansa’s sister Devaki and Vasudeva, Krishna was declared to be the savior of mankind and the end of Kansa even before his birth. Krishna, right from the day of birth exhibited that he was a special child and there was extraordinary powers with him. Throughout his childhood and adolescence in Gokul, he did many things which made people believe that he was a form of God. Since then, the people of Nandgaon celebrated the birth of Krishna as a day of fortune.
Even thousands of years after his heavenly abode, people observe this day as a day of fortune and commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna by fasting and feasting. People believe Krishna to be the ultimate savior of the world. One who unlike other gods, can be regarded, as a lover, friend, divine guru or one’s own child. People mesmerized with Krishna’s persona and deeds can be seen singing and dancing in the name of Krishna to eternity on the day of Janmashtami. It is the deep faith and devotion of people towards him that the festival is still celebrated with a great honor, joy as well as elation as it was celebrated thousands of years back.
Janmashtami Gifts
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Janmashtami is a spectacular carnival and a wonderful festival celebrated in India. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, the avtara (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated with great zeal and gusto all over the country. Devotees of Lord Krishna celebrate this festival with great pomp and show. There are huge celebrations, magnificent feasts, community get together and bhajans and exchange of gifts on the occasion of Janmashtami.
The gifts of Janmashtami are generally given as a token of love and brotherhood to each other. It is done in order to follow the advice of Lord Krishna to live with immense harmony and brotherhood in the society. There are several kinds of gifts that are presented on the occasion. Though people often stick to traditional gift items like home appliances and clothes, some people also think out of the box and come up with innovative gifts. Here we have given you an idea of some exclusive and special Janmashtami gifts.
Janmashtami Gifts Ideas
On the occasion of Janmashtami festivities, if you also want to gift your friends and family with some ideal Janmashtami gifts, here are few options you can chose from.
Silver Coin
Silver coin is a very traditional yet very nice gift to present some one on a traditional occasion like Janmashtami. Silver coins engraved with the Lord Krishna’s image would from an ideal gift on the occasion of such festivals.
Idol Of Lord Krishna
There would be nothing better than an idol of Lord Krishna on the occasion of Janmastami. Not only this is auspicious, it also stands for the symbol of divine brotherhood and love.
Bansuri
As the festival of Janmashtami is related to Lord Krishna, you can present any time that seems related to him in any regard. The beautiful Bansuri of Lord Krishna is an ideal gift for any devotee of the deity on the occasion of Janmashtami.
Torans
Torans and Bandanwars i.e. wall and door hangings with the pictures of Lord Krishna are also loved by the devotees of Krishna because they create an ambience of auspiciousness in their homes.
Items Made Of Mor-Pankh
Items made of Mor Pankh like hand-fan, pens, decoration pieces also look good on the occasion of Janmashtami. Thus, you can also look for such items if you are planning to gift it to an ardent Krishna devotee.
Tips for Selecting Gifts
The gifts of Janmashtami are generally given as a token of love and brotherhood to each other. It is done in order to follow the advice of Lord Krishna to live with immense harmony and brotherhood in the society. There are several kinds of gifts that are presented on the occasion. Though people often stick to traditional gift items like home appliances and clothes, some people also think out of the box and come up with innovative gifts. Here we have given you an idea of some exclusive and special Janmashtami gifts.
Janmashtami Gifts Ideas
On the occasion of Janmashtami festivities, if you also want to gift your friends and family with some ideal Janmashtami gifts, here are few options you can chose from.
Silver Coin
Silver coin is a very traditional yet very nice gift to present some one on a traditional occasion like Janmashtami. Silver coins engraved with the Lord Krishna’s image would from an ideal gift on the occasion of such festivals.
Idol Of Lord Krishna
There would be nothing better than an idol of Lord Krishna on the occasion of Janmastami. Not only this is auspicious, it also stands for the symbol of divine brotherhood and love.
Bansuri
As the festival of Janmashtami is related to Lord Krishna, you can present any time that seems related to him in any regard. The beautiful Bansuri of Lord Krishna is an ideal gift for any devotee of the deity on the occasion of Janmashtami.
Torans
Torans and Bandanwars i.e. wall and door hangings with the pictures of Lord Krishna are also loved by the devotees of Krishna because they create an ambience of auspiciousness in their homes.
Items Made Of Mor-Pankh
Items made of Mor Pankh like hand-fan, pens, decoration pieces also look good on the occasion of Janmashtami. Thus, you can also look for such items if you are planning to gift it to an ardent Krishna devotee.
Tips for Selecting Gifts
- The gift should reflect the true spirit of the Janmashtami and should be related to Lord Krishna.
- Buy the gift as per your own budget, to avoid any lack of focus, however do not hesitate to explore. Do not try to stick to the conventional choice.
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