|
Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Shri Krishna. It is celebrated every year in the month of August or September. There is a legend we find pertaining to the birth of Lord Shri Krishna he was born on a dark and stormy night to end the terrorizing rule of his maternal uncle Kansa. The Janmashtami celebrations take place for two days. The first day is known as Krishnastami because the birth of Bhagwan Krsihna falls on the eight day after Raksha Bandhan which falls in the month of August. The second day is known as 'Kalashtami'
There is assumed evidence that around midnight between the first and the second day of the celebrations, around midnight the birth of Lord Krishna took place. The real festivities begin around midnight. The celebrations reach to its extreme heights the moment the time of the birth of Lord Krishna comes up. Hymns from religious scriptures, Arati, blowing of the conch shells take place heralding a serene moment in Indian Mythological history. The idol of Lord Krishna is immersed with Panchamit (with milk, ghee, oil, honey and gangajal. This is distributed to the devotees along with other prasadam. Some undertake the period of fasting for a day or for both days. There is also raining season taking place around that period.
During the Janmashtami Celebrations, special dishes are arranged in different religious places of the country. Sweets or confectionaries such as Doodhachi Kheer, Pedha, Gulabjamun etc are the delicacies of this celebrations. Apart from these items, other items like Shrikhand and Singhare ki Poori are prepared in the traditional households. Murukku and Seddai are popular in Tamil Nadu.
In Northern part of the country, mostly in Mathura, a new type of festival is celebrated named 'Jhulonotsav'. In 'Jhulanotsav' swings are hung in the courtyards of temples and traditional houses as a mark of reverence to Lord Krishna.
The entire festivities remain dull without 'Raslila'. This is a type of dance drama. In these fascinating moments, various memorable incidents of Sri Krishna's life are depicted to preach the message of tolerance and universal brotherhood. The custom of 'Dahi Handi'is observed in the midst of fun and gaiety. After formation of pyramid, the Handi is broken with the help of rope tied with rope from the top. Dahi Handi is mostly performed in Mumbai. In Northern India, 'Jhankis' are brought out depicting various moment of Lord Krishna's life.
For more information about other Indian festival, please browse at
|
