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Krishna Janmashtami 2017 Date

Dharm

Author: - | Last Updated: Thu 23 Feb 2017 2:46:50 PM

krishna, janmashtami, 2017, date, puja vidhi

Janmashtami is celebrated to memorialize the birth of Lord Vishnu’s 8th incarnation, Lord Krishna. It is observed on the 8th day of Krishna Paksha of hindu month Shravana. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it will be marked on 14th of August in 2017. The fast is observed by the devotees and they worship Balgopal (child form of Lord Krishna). It is celebrated in almost every region of India with great enthusiasm and bliss. Read to this exclusive article to learn more about this occasion..

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Legend

On Janmashtami, people celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna was the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva. Lord Krishna was born in jail, where his parents were caged by Devaki's evil brother Kansa.

Kansa was the King of Mathura and the people there were very terrified of him. One day came a voice from the sky that he will soon be killed by the child of Devaki and Vasudeva. Frightened, Kansa imprisoned them and killed their first child, then the second one and so on. But, before the birth of the eighth one, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of Devaki-Vasudeva and assured them that he, himself, is coming as the savior of the people of Mathura, as their eighth child, who will soon take birth, will be his incarnation.

Lord Vishnu asked Vasudeva to exchange his child with that of his friend, Nanda's wife, Yashoda girl child, who will also take birth on the same night in Gokul. Lord Vishnu assured him that nothing will bar him from carrying his child to Yashoda’s home.

In the stormy midnight, on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the Shravan month, the same thing happened. Lord Krishna was born. The strong gates of the prison opened suddenly. Vasudeva followed the same instructions as were told to him by Lord Vishnu. The next day, people in Gokul were very happy to see the adorable child of Yashoda and celebrated his birth in full joy. Back in Mathura, Kansa thought the new born girl child to be of Devaki's and tried to kill her. But, the girl child took the form of Goddess Yogmaya and told him that the eighth child has already taken birth and his death is near.

When Lord Krishna grew younger, he killed his evil uncle Kansa, freed his parents and saved the people of Mathura from the cruelty of Kansa. So, every year, Shree Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in India magnificently.

Celebrations Of Krishna Janmashtami

On the day of Sri Krishna Janmashtmi, people build beautiful swings and keep Lord Krishna’s idol in it. Around the swing, they create different scenes, which depict different phases of Lord Krishna’s life.

People observe fast on this day till midnight, as Lord Krishna was born in midnight. They gather together at temples, perform Aartis, take the blessings of the God, rock the cradle carrying idol of Lord Krishna and then break their fast by eating the Prasad.

Read more about the Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations here: Krishna Janmashtami

Other Important Events Related to Janmashtami

As soon as Janmashtami approaches, the celebration begins with the events like Rasleela and Dahi Handi.

Raslila: It is a dance associated with Lord Krishna. If we read stories about Lord Krishna, we will definitely come to know about his flirtatious nature. As described in the scriptures like Bhagavad Purana, Ras Lila is the name given to the dance that Krishna used to perform with Radha and her friends. On the occasion of Janmashtami, people play Rasleela in the memory of Radha and Krishna. This celebration in the form of dance is very popular, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna was originally born.

Dahi Handi: Dahi-Handi is the biggest highlight of Krishna Janmashtami. Lord Krishna, since his childhood, was a big fan of butter and Ghee (purified butter). People also relate him with the word, Makhan Chor. So, people celebrate Krishna Janmashtami by playing Dahi Handi as well. In Dahi-Handi, various groups of people participate. A Matki filled with butter is placed some feet high. Each group make a pyramid and try to reach at the level of height where the Handi is placed. The group that reaches the point and successfully breaks the Handi is announced as the winner. Then, the group is awarded with the pre-declared prize. After that, people around dance to the beats of Dholak. This festival is most popular in the state of Maharashtra, especially in its capital, Mumbai.

People in celebrate the birth of Sri Krishna with so much enthusiasm, that it reflects their true love for Lord Krishna. Janmashtami is the festival of fun. People, not only from India, but also from abroad are great devotees of Lord Krishna. Every year, many foreigners visit India during this festival, only to take his blessings. ISKCON Temple in India is very famous for the amazing Janmashtmi celebrations. This celebration of Shree Krishna Janmashtami is dedicated completely to Krishna and Radha. Janmashtami or Gokulashtami brings people together. People gather and dance and sing together. The festival of Sri Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most vibrant festivals of India.

Happy Krishna Janmashtami…!!