Devotees of Lord Krishna observe a day-long fast on Janmashtami (his birth anniversary). Fasting is integral to Janmashtami celebrations in several parts of the country; therefore, devotees follow religious rules.
Many devotees start fasting a day before the festival day, while some skip dinner before the day of puja. And those who keep a vrat maintain celibacy until they break their fast the day after Krishna Janmashtami.
Date
Krishna Janmashtami on Thursday, August 18, 2022.
History of Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna was Devaki and Vasudeva’s son. He was born on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada in Mathura. Then, Mathura was ruled by Devaki’s demon brother Kansa. He had a prophecy that Devaki and Vasudeva’s 8th son would kill him and destroy his kingdom.Â
Kansa admired and loved his sister and his brother-in-law a lot. But upon hearing this prophecy, he swore to kill all their children, leaving no room for him to get killed. Kansa successfully killed the first 6 babies. On the couple’s 7th baby, the fetus, who was Balram, magically transferred to Princess Rohini’s womb. Kansa was not able to find it. Upon the birth of the 8th child, the whole kingdom fell asleep. Vasudeva secretly rescued the baby and handed it to Nand Baba and Yashodha in Vrindavan.
To ensure that Kansa does not find the 8th child, the couple got a baby girl and offered it to him. When he tried to kill her, the baby transformed into Goddess Durga and warned him against all his evil deeds.
Meanwhile, Krishna grew up in Vrindavan and did not know the situation. When he grew old, he learned the matter and went straight to Mathura. He successfully killed Kansa and was united with birth parents Devaki and Vasudeva.
Significance of Krishna Janmashtami
Temples in Mathura and Vrindavan are dolled up and decorated with flowers and other colorful decorations to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is believed to be born at midnight in Mathura and grew up in Vrindavan. Since he was believed to be born at midnight, people place idols of baby Krisha in a cradle after bathing, decorating, and starting the Janmashtami celebrations.
Devotees also stage performances based on Krishna’s life incidents and acts of bravery and friendship and commemorate the special bond he shared with Radha. The staging of performances is called Raslila.
In Maharashtra, people play Dahi handi, where they enact all of Lord Krishna’s childhood mischiefs. Krishna was famously known for stealing butter from earthen pots. People place the earthen pots at a certain height and form a human pyramid to reach and break them.
Shri Krishna Krishna Janmashtami Vrat Rules
- Rise early and take a bath.
- Wear fresh/clean clothes.
- Offer your prayers to the Sun God and other deities facing the East.
- Do Sankalpa (take a pledge that you will sincerely keep the vrat).
- Keep chanting the name of Shri Krishna (Naam Japa).
- Maintain celibacy.
- Donate food to the needy.
- You may feed a cow or a calf, or any other animal.
- On the day of Janmashtami, do not pluck Tulsi leaves from the plant at home.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol.
Janmashtami Vrat – What to eat and what not to eat
- You may have fruits, milk, and coconut water.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water or juices.
- Do not consume rice, wheat, or lentils in any form.
- Do not consume garlic, onions, or any other Tamasic food.
- Do not eat meat or fish.
Krishna Moola Mantra
OM Krishnaya Namah
Krishna Maha Mantra
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Krishna Gayatri Mantra
OM Devaki Nandaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dheemahi Tanno Krishna Prachodayat
Krishna Mantra for success
OM Shri Krishnah Sharanam Mamah
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