Krishna Janmashtmi- 5th September 2015

Krishna Janmashtami

Sri Krishna Jamashtami is one of the holiest and most famous festivals for Hindus. Janmashtami marks the birth celebration of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu, in the Hindu religion. This festival is celebrated on the eight day of the month of Shravana (August-September) in the Hindu calendar. Janmashtami is also known as Gokulashtami, Krishnasthami and Srijayanti. 

In the state of Maharashtra, the traditional competition of Dahi Hundi is also held on Janmashtami day.

Lord Krishna was born to Vasudeva and Devki, while they were held captive in the jail of his uncle, Kansa. As the legend goes, it had been foretold that Kansa would be killed by his nephew, so Kansa imprisoned his sister and brother-in-law hoping to kill the child instead.  On the very night of Lord Krishna’s birth, Vasudeva took the baby, snuck out of jail, crossed the mighty Yamuna and left his son in the house of relatives, Nanda and Yashoda. They became Lord Krishna’s adoptive parents and took the responsibility of raising the child.

The incarnation of Krishna marks the end of darkness and the removal of evil forces that dominate the Universe. It is said that Lord Krishna was a true Brahmin who had reached Nirvana. Krishna is believed to be blue in color since blue represents the sky and marks the infinite potential and power of the Lord. His yellow clothes represent the color of Earth, symbolic of a colorless flame. The enchanting music of the flute played by Krishna represents his divinity. 

Even though Janmashtami is celebrated all over India, different states have  different ways of celebrating. This festival is observed as a 2 day ritual because there are a few variations in the calculation of Lord Krishna’s time of birth, in various regions of India. The festival itself is preceded by a day-long fast that is broken at midnight, the time when Krishna is believed to have been born. On this day special poojas and rituals are performed in all the temples and houses throughout India. Images of baby Krishna are placed in swings and cradles in temples and homes. At midnight, devotees gather around and sing devotional songs, dance and exchange of gifts. In many temples, children are dressed up as Radha and Krishna and different excerpts of the life of Lord Krishna are enacted. 

“Dahi Hundi” is traditionally a competition which is held in the state of  Maharashtra. In this competition, a decorated earthen pot that contains ghee, dry fruits and milk, is hung 20-30 feet high and held with a rope. Silver coins are hung on this rope, as a prize for the winners. The goal of this competition is to form a human pyramid with respective teams, to try and reach the hanging pot. 

Spectators throw water on this human pyramid to prevent them from breaking the pot. Devotees try to collect the broken parts of the pot. This is a popular tradition that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and is actually an enactment of Sri Krishna’s attempt to steal butter from the Matkas, as a young child!

All the Janmashtami ceremonies are celebrated with great devotion. Lord Krishna’s birth and life had a profound impact on Indian culture, philosophy and civilization. Krishnashtami , which is considered to be a worship of Shri Krishna, brings lots of joy and a feeling of unity, wherever it is celebrated. 

 The Gita, which is well known for the inspirational dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna is where Lord Krishna teaches the universal values of Dharma. The moral lesson is for everyone to learn the importance of fighting against injustice.

                                                  Written by Kajal Mulani  

                                                                                                 Director HYSC 2015

                                                                   

          

HYSC/SVSC 2009

HYSC/SVSC 2008