Krishna Janmashtami, also known by the name of Gokulashtami or Krishna Jayanti, is a Hindu festival that is celebrated once a year. This day is marked as the birth of Lord Krishna, popularly regarded as Laddoo Gopal, who is also called the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. People in India celebrate this day with great fervour and devotion. Lord Krishna is the epitome of friendship, peace, love, and faith.

According to the Panchanga or Hindu Calendar, Krishna Janmashtami of Gokulashtami generally falls on the eighth day of (Ashthami)in the month of Bhadrapada. Also, as mentioned in the Gregorian calendar(Western), this day generally falls between August and September. In 2024, Gokulashtami will fall on August 26 in 2024. The Ashtami Tithi starts on August 26 at 3:39 AM and ends on August 27 at 2:19 AM.

The History As It Goes:

Shri Krishna was a son of Devaki and Vasudeva, who was born biologically in a cellular jail in Dwapar Yug. But it is said that his life was in danger from his maternal uncle, Kansa. The evil Kansa received a prophecy from the sky that the 8th children from Devaki and Vasudeva would kill him. So, after hearing this, Kansa decided to kill Devaki. But Vasudeva pleaded with Kansa that he would devote all his children after their birth to Kansa and, in return, grant the life of Devaki. After hearing this, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva in jail and planned to kill Devaki’s children. However, he could not kill the 8th son, who was Lord Krishna, born as a wonder child. His miracles were noticed the moment he was born. So, to protect Krishna from Kansa's evil hand, when he was born, Vasudeva carried him in the basket and crossed the Yamuna river to Vrindavan. There, Krishna was brought up by Yashoda and Nanda.

Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami

Where Krishna temple exists, the celebration starts before sunrise and continues all day until midnight - the exact moment of Krishna's birthday. The celebration starts with organising Kirtan, intimate prayers, and chanting the Lord's name. Some devotees also serve the Lord with over 100 dishes, while others perform dance and drama. Janmashtami celebrations happen all across the world. On this day, the temple hall, especially the ISKCON and Mathura temple, is decorated with fragrant flowers.

Since Lord Krishna was very fond of eating Makhann in the matki, people play this sport where an earthen pot or matki filled with dahi(curd) is tied high from the ground. A team of Govindas form a pyramid and reach the dahi handi to break it. This event is called "dahi handi". The ritual symbolises the unity and teamwork that Lord Krishna embodies during his lifetime.

Janmashtami Celebration in different regions of India

🢒 North India

In North India, Janmashtami is considered as a very special festival. People organise Janmashtami melas, prepare delicious food and celebrate it with the Raas Leela custom. Other than that, people enjoy kite flying on this day, too.

🢒 Maharashtra

People of Maharashtra celebrate Janmashtami with the ‘Dahi Handi’ custom. In this custom, a group of young boys gather and circle around, standing on top of each other’s shoulders and smashing the earthen pot ‘Dahi Handi’ that hangs on a height. It is like a fun ritual that celebrates Lord Krishna’s love for Makhan. 

🢒 Rajasthan and Gujarat

People of Gujarat also celebrate this ritual of ‘Dahi Handi’, but they call it ‘Makhan Handi’. 

🢒 West Bengal and Odisha

People here celebrate Janmashtami by reciting the Bhagavata Purana, which tells the story of Lord Krishna. 

How to do Janmashtami Pooja At Home?

If you are not able to go to the temple, you can do the celebration at home with your friends and family. Decorate your temple with flowers, hanging balloons, and leaves. Dress Lord Krishna in new clothes and ornaments. For pooja, get all the ingredients, including Yoghurt, Honey, and Ghee, and if you do not want to use ghee, you can use bail Kolhu kachi ghani mustard oil, which is pure and can be used to light the Diya or lamp.

You can start the pooja by chanting the Krishna Mantra, or you can sing a Krishna aarti. You can also recreate the temple program and hold an abhisheka bathing and dahi handi. Have a midnight aarti with a kirtan. This is the exact time Krishna came to this planet to save the world from evil eyes, spread love, and create peace.

Lord Krishna is a symbol of love, strength, purity, and kindness. Although it's an Indian Festival, people can be seen all around the world devoting themselves to lord Krishna. Indeed, it upholds the concept of unity in diversity. So, let's celebrate this Janmashtami with love and ensure we follow the path of Lord Krishna throughout our lives.