Significance of Krishna Janmasthami

Krishna Janmasthami is a Hindu festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna who is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Krishna was born on Asthami or eighth day of holy lunar month, Shravana. People celebrate Janmasthami by fasting, singing, praying together, visiting krishna or vishnu temples, sharing special food. Many communities organise dance-drama events also called as Ras Lila. The tradition of organising Ras Lila is particularly popular in Mathura region, in northeast states such as Manipur, Assam and in some parts of Rajasthan.

People visit temples at night, offer prayers, join their hands and bow their heads in front of Krishna’s idol. A small cradle is place with Lord Krishna’s idol that marks the symbol of his birth. People swing the cradle and celebrate the arrival of Krishna by offering prayers and bhajans.
People fast for the whole day and break their fast in the midnight after the birth of Lord Krishna.

Significance of Janmasthami : Krishna was the son of Devaki and Vasudeva. There was a threat to the life of Krishna by his maternal uncle, Kansa. He was determined to kill Krishna after his birth. Immediately after his birth, His father took Krishna across Yamuna, to foster parents in Gokul named Nanda and Yashoda. Kansa had imprisoned his sister and brother in law. Later Lord Krishna killed Kansa and saved Mathura. From then people celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna every year.The main significance of Janmashtami is to strengthen goodwill and to discourage bad will.’

Bhog and Pooja rituals :People perform the Krishna Abhishek with ghee, milk and water and then proceed to offer bhog to the God. As no grains are consumed on the day of fast, people take a meal containing fruits and water called Phallar.