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Krishna Janamashtmi

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Lord Krishna is one of the favourite deities of Hindus. The Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated all over the India with great zeal by Hindus. On this day the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated in honour of his childhood days. It falls on the Ashtam of Bhadrapada month during Krishna paksha, while moon entering the Rohini Nakshtra (Aldebaran constellation), in the month of August-September every year. The Rohini constellation is considered very auspicious in Hindu mythology. The birth of Lord Krishna was under extra ordinary circumstances on this day. Krishna is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

There are several stories behind the birth of Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that whenever evils increases on earth, Lord Vishnu comes to earth to end the prevailing evil(s). Lord Krishna is considered as eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Thousands year ago in Dwapara Yug, Lord Vishnu took birth in the carnation of Krishna for the killing of demon King Kansa to establish the peace and prosperity and to spread the message of brotherhood in the kingdom and in the universe that we should live in harmonious with each other. Devaki (sister of Kansa) and Vasudev (friend of Kansa) are the mother and father of incarnated Lord Krishna. Yashoda, a friend of Devaki, is the nurturing mother of Krishna. According to the historians the birth of Lord Krishna is around 3227 B.C.

There are several customs performed on this day by the Hindus and followers of Krishna. Among these customs fasting by the devotees on this day is most common. Some of the devotees also fast for two days also. On this day, devotees also chant the Lord; they believe that chanting of Krishna brings immense joy and pleasure in the life. The devotees also sing the songs in honour of the deity. The Krishnaleela (rasleela) play by the professionals is also performed on this day. The play depicts the childhood activities of Krishna. On this several sweets are prepared by the devotees at home. These sweets are distributed among the peoples in the form of a piece of eating’s (prashad) of the lord. At several places, the devotees also swings the childhood of lord just like to nurturing mother Yashoda.

On this occasion, an earthen pot suspended at a certain height is broken by pyramid of human chain and the curd and buttermilk is collected to eat. This human pyramid indicates that one alone can’t perform any special cause.

Apart from India, this occasion is also celebrated in other countries like USA, Nepal, Canada, France, England, Singapore and Malaysia by the followers of Krishna.

There are several names of Krishna ‘Yashodha ka lal’ (the good son of Yashoda). Similarly being the son of Devaki, also recited as ‘Devakinandan’, Kanha, Kanhaiya, Makhanchor (thief of buttermilk), Kala or Shyam (being the colour of blackish), Gopal (being pasturer of cows), Sakha (being friend of Arjuna), Dwarkadheesh (King of Dwarka province).

Lord Krishna is regarded as a friend, lover, divine guru or one’s childhood. This day is also involves the excitement in life. He is also considered as the savior of world. His birthday is celebrated to commemorate his holy deeds on this earth. Like ‘Raksha Bandhan’ this festival also underlines mental apprehension that everybody should live in harmonious coexistence with each other.

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