Janmashtami 2024: Facts about Lord Krishna and Janmashtami you ...
Janmashtami
or the birth of
Lord Krishna
is celebrated with utmost sincerity in India. A festival of immense religious and cultural significance, Janmashtami also known as Krishna Janmashtami, is not just celebrated in the country but in several countries abroad.For the unversed, the festival is called Janmashtami because it is celebrated on the Ashtami or the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar.
Janma means birth and Asthami means the eighth day and hence the name Janmashtami.Here are a few incredible
facts about Janmashtami
which many do not know:
Krishna's birth is celebrated in several countries across the world
Krishna Janmashtami, the vibrant festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is celebrated widely across the globe, reflecting the rich and diverse reach of Hindu traditions. This auspicious occasion is observed in various countries beyond India, showcasing its universal appeal and the global Indian diaspora's cultural connections.
In South Asia, Janmashtami is commemorated with great enthusiasm in Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The festival also extends to Southeast Asia, where it is celebrated in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.The festival's influence reaches East Asia, including China and Japan, and stretches to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. In Africa, Krishna Janmashtami is marked in Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The Caribbean also joins in the celebrations with vibrant festivals in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, and Jamaica.In North America, the festival is actively celebrated in Canada and the USA, while Europe sees significant observances in the UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Russia. This global spread highlights the festival’s profound cultural significance and the diverse ways in which communities honor and celebrate the divine birth of Krishna.
Lord Krishna's blue color has a hidden meaning
Lord Krishna's blue color symbolizes his divine nature and infinite, boundless qualities. In Hinduism, blue represents the vastness of the sky and the depth of the ocean, signifying his omnipresence and transcendental nature. The color also conveys calmness, serenity, and the eternal, unchanging reality of his divine essence. Blue signifies the infinite, eternal, and cosmic aspect of Krishna, emphasizing his role as the supreme being who encompasses all of existence. The hue thus reflects both his cosmic power and his serene, tranquil nature, embodying his divine presence in the universe.
Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, but spent his early life in Vrindavan
Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, a city in northern India, to Queen Devaki and King Vasudeva. His birth was prophesied to end the tyranny of his uncle, King Kamsa. To protect him from Kamsa’s wrath, Krishna was secretly taken to the village of Vrindavan, where he spent his early childhood. Vrindavan, nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River, provided a serene and pastoral setting where Krishna's divine pastimes unfolded.In Vrindavan, Krishna was raised by his foster parents, Yashoda and Nanda. His early years were marked by numerous miraculous deeds and playful activities, including his famous leelas (divine plays) with the cowherd boys and girls. The region holds immense significance in Hindu tradition as the stage for many of Krishna's most beloved stories and teachings.
There are different names of Janmashtami
Janmashtami, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, is known by various names across different regions and cultures. In North India, it is commonly called Janmashtami or Krishna Janmashtami, emphasizing the birthday of Krishna. In the southern states of India, particularly in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, it is often referred to as Gokulashtami or Gokulashtami, highlighting the celebration of Krishna's childhood in Gokul.Janmashtami is celebrated as Zaram Satam (Janam Saptami) by the native Kashmiri Pandits of Kashmir. In Jammu region, Janmashtami is popularly known by the name "Thogre/Thakure da Vrat".In Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra, the festival is known as "Dahi Handi," focusing on the tradition of forming human pyramids to break pots filled with curd, reminiscent of Krishna's playful theft of butter. In some regions of Bengal, it is celebrated as "Krishna Janmashtami" or "Krishnashtami," while in other parts of India, it may be called "Janmashthami" or simply "Ashtami" referring to the eighth day of the lunar month when Krishna was born. Each name reflects local customs and highlights different aspects of the festival’s rich tradition.
There are several festivals that are closely linked to Janmashtami
The birth of Lord Krishna is linked to several festivals like the birth of Radha, Govardhan puja, gita Jayanti and nandotsava.Radha ashtami: Celebrated as the birth anniversary of Radha, Krishna’s eternal consort and beloved. This festival, observed on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) in the month of Bhadrapada, honors Radha's divine presence and her unwavering devotion to Krishna. Radha's birth is believed to coincide with Krishna's divine mission, making this festival a celebration of their celestial bond.Govardhan puja: This festival commemorates Krishna’s miraculous act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra, the rain god. Celebrated the day after Diwali, Govardhan Puja is a symbolic gesture of gratitude towards Krishna for his protection and a celebration of his role as a divine protector.Gita jayanti: Marking the day when the Bhagavad Gita was delivered by Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Celebrated on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, Gita Jayanti honors the spiritual and philosophical teachings of Krishna, which are central to Hinduism.Nandotsav: This festival celebrates the joy of Krishna’s birth and the subsequent happiness it brought to his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda. Held on the day after Janmashtami, Nandotsava is a time for festivities, feasting, and expressing gratitude for Krishna’s arrival, recognizing the significance of his presence in the lives of his devotees.
Lord Krishna has influenced several art forms in India
Krishna’s influence extends beyond religious texts into the realm of the arts. He is a central figure in various forms of classical Indian dance and music, including Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam. His life and leelas (divine plays) are depicted in numerous traditional performances and artworks. Krishna’s multifaceted character—ranging from a playful child to a revered deity—has inspired countless artists, poets, and musicians, making him a symbol of divine creativity and cultural richness in Indian art.
Usually devotees fast from sunrise till the birth time of Lord Krishna
Fasting is a significant aspect of Janmashtami observance. Devotees typically fast from sunrise until the midnight hour, which is believed to be the time of Krishna’s birth. The fast involves abstaining from food and sometimes even water, symbolizing purification and devotion. After the midnight celebrations, devotees break their fast with special offerings and prasad (holy food). This practice of fasting is both a form of penance and a way to spiritually connect with the divine presence of Krishna.
