Essay on Krishna Janmashtmi
Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism. Krishna is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hinduism, and his life and teachings are the source of inspiration for many Hindus. Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Yadukulashtami, Srikrishna Jayanti, or Sree Jayanthi.
The festival falls on the eighth day (ashtami) of the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) in the Hindu lunar calendar. According to Vedic chronology, this year will mark Lord Krishna's 5250th birthday. The date of the festival varies from year to year, depending on the lunar cycle. In 2023, Krishna Janmashtami will be observed on September 6 and 7.
The festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindus all over the world. The celebrations include various rituals, such as fasting, praying, singing, dancing, reciting scriptures, performing plays and dramas based on Krishna's life, and offering food and flowers to Krishna. The most common ritual is to place an idol or a picture of baby Krishna in a decorated cradle or a swing and rock it gently while chanting his names and praises. This symbolizes the joy of welcoming Krishna into the world.
One of the most popular and fun-filled events of the festival is Dahi Handi, which is celebrated on the next day of Janmashtami. Dahi Handi means "pot of yogurt" and it refers to a clay pot filled with yogurt or butter that is hung high from a rope or a pole. Young men form human pyramids to reach the pot and break it, while women throw water and flowers on them. This is done to recreate the playful acts of Krishna as a child, who used to steal butter from the pots of his foster mother Yashoda and other cowherd women in his village.
Another important aspect of the festival is to visit temples dedicated to Krishna, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, where he is believed to have been born and spent his childhood respectively. These places are considered holy by Hindus and attract millions of pilgrims every year. The temples are decorated with lights, flowers, and flags, and various ceremonies are performed throughout the night until midnight, which is believed to be the exact time of Krishna's birth. The devotees sing devotional songs, dance in ecstasy, and offer prayers and gifts to Krishna.
Krishna Janmashtami is a festival that celebrates the divine love and grace of Krishna, who came to earth to save humanity from evil and ignorance. It is a festival that reminds us of our eternal relationship with God and our duty to follow his teachings of righteousness, compassion, and devotion. It is a festival that fills our hearts with joy and peace.
0Comments