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JANMASTAMI

FACTS & FIGURES Religion - Hindu Celebration - The Birthday of Lord Krishna Time of the year - August to September Duration - One day

Janmastami

THE FESTIVAL

 Krishna is a very popular avatar or incarnation of Vishnu and this festival is celebrated widely. Many Hindus fast till midnight, the time of Krishna's birth. Those unable to fast will take fruit and milk. In the temples Krishna is welcomed with singing, dancing and sweets. In some homes and temples an image of the newborn Krishna is put in a cradle and special sweets (e.g. the powder panjiri, given traditionally to women after childbirth) are offered and distributed.

CELEBRATIONS

Lord Krishna is invoked in his human incarnation as Krishna on his birth anniversary in the festival of Janmashtami. This festival of Hindus is celebrated with great devotion on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Sravana (July-August) in India. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna was born to destroy Mathura's demon King Kansa, brother of his virtuous mother, Devaki.

Men and women fast and pray on the occasion of Janmashtami. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated and lit. The temples of Vrindavan, in Uttar Pradesh witness an extravagant and colourful celebration on this occasion. 'Raslila' is performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha. This festival is also known as Krishnastami or Gokulastami.

The Krishna is bathed at midnight and is placed in a cradle. Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over Northern India.

In Maharashtra, Janmashtami witnesses the exuberant enactment of Krishna's childhood endeavours to steal butter and curd from earthen pots beyond his reach. A matka or pot containing these is suspended high above the ground and groups of young men and children form human pyramids to try and reach the pot and eventually break it.