This year, Janmashtami is celebrated for 2 days. Devotees celebrate this day in many ways. Know how!
The birth of Lord Krishna is believed to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. In the account of which this Hindu festival is celebrated as Janmashtami or Gokulashatami. It is usually observed on the eighth day or Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad.
This year, the holy festival of Krishna Janmashtami begins on August 11, and is likely to continue to celebrate till the next day. Since, lord Krishna was born on midnight, therefore, Krishna puja is usually conducted at midnight. On this eve, the puja is organized, which includes 16 steps which are part of the Shodashopachara puja vidhi.
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Why Krishna Janmashtami Is Celebrated?
As per Hindu traditions, Lord Krishna is believed to born in Mathura at midnight on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month. His father Vasudeva took young Krishna across the Yamuna river to save him from uncle King Kansa, immediately after he was born. Vasudeva gave him to Nanda and Yashoda, who are considered as the Lord Krishna’s foster parents.
It was predicted that Kansa’s sister Devaki’s eighth son was to kill the cruel king, Kansa. So Kansa locked Devaki and Vasudeva in the prison and started killing their sons one by one until Krishna was born.
From that day, in the Hindu tradition, the idol of Krishna when he was a child, is washed, dresses, and worshiped and also decorate the cradle. Some keep the fast, and break their fast, midnight. The devotees usually offer milk products like makkhan, milk and curd.
Besides this, people prepare the skits, which include dance and dramas based on the life of Krishna according to Bhagavata Purana. Sing devotional songs throughout midnight and fast throughout the day.
Amid of pandemic Covid-19, it is advised to keep social distancing, and not to gather in a crowd. This year, the devotees are celebrating the Lord Krishna’s birthday at their home, by preparing the favorite dishes and sweets of Lord Krishna.
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