Janmashtami

Janmashtami

In those days, the land of Mathura in Northern India was ruled by a cruel king called Kamsa. When Kamsa's sister Devakrwas getting married, there was a heavenly prediction: “Devaki's eighth child will kill you, O cruel Kamsa!” Kamsa was alarmed. He instantly ordered Devaki and her husband Vasudeva to be put in the dungeons.

Thereafter, whenever Devaki gave birth to a child, wicked Kamsa would snatch the baby from her arms and kill him. “Hahahaha! I won't let your child survive to kill me, Devaki!” he would rollick. Years passed. It was a dark and stormy night. Around midnight, Devaki delivered her eighth child. The dark-complexioned baby-boy reflected a divine glow. He was no ordinary child. Lord Vishnu Himself had reincarnated to put an end to Kamsa's tyranny! And thus, was Shri Krishna born.

Soon after, the soldiers guarding Devaki and Vasudeva fell asleep, as if under some magic spell, and the gates of the dungeon flung open. Vasudeva hastily kept Krishna in a basket and hurried towards the river Yamuna. He wanted to hand over the baby to his friend Nanda and his wife Yashoda who lived in Gokul village across the river. Miraculously, as soon as Vasudeva waded into the water, the river parted, allowing Vasudeva to cross it easily. Sheshnaag, the serpent of Lord Vishnu instantly raised its hood and spread as an umbrella over the child. Thus, Vasudeva safely took Krishna to Gokul and no one came to know about it. Krishna grew up in Gokul as Yashoda and Nanda’s son. In time, he killed Kamsa and relieved the world of his evil deeds.

The festival of Janmashtami celebrates Lord Krishna's birth. It is observed on the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu calendar. It falls toward the end of August according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated over two days. The first day is Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami. The second day is called Kalashtami or more popularly Janmashtami.

People throughout the country decorate their houses with mango leaves. The actual celebration takes place at midnight, with the birth of Lord Krishna. The idol of the infant Krishna is bathed with 'Panchamrut1, a mixture of cow milk, ghee, curd, honey and jaggery. The idol is then placed in a cradle. Devotees shower flowers on the idol and chant 108 names of Lord Krishna. 'Makkhan' (butter) is the main offering to the Lord. The traditional sweet is 'Dhaniya Panjiri', which is made of grated dry coconut, almonds, ghee, cashew nuts, fox nuts, coriander powder and powdered sugar.

People sing devotional songs and perform dance dramas depicting various events from Lord Krishna's life. Some people observe a fast during the daytime, breaking it at midnight. Devotees prefer to have only milk and milk products, as they were the favourite of Lord Krishna. The main celebrations are performed at the Dwarkadhish temple, Mathura in the form of Jhulan Utsava. The devotees create a colourful palanquin of Krishna. This palanquin is taken out in a procession.

The twin cities of Mathura-Vrindavan take on a festive look. The most important ritual to be observed during Janmashtami is the Dahi Handi. An earthen pot is filled with a mixture of curd, puffed rice, milk, dry fruits and butter. Then it is hung around 20-30 feet high in the air with a rope. Silver coins and currency notes are hung along with the rope, to be distributed later among the winners.

Enthusiastic young men gather in teams to participate in the competition. Each team is given a chance to reach up to the pot and break it open.

The team members form a human pyramid by standing one over the other. One of them climbs up the pyramid and tries to catch the pot. The spectators splash water on the boys to make it tricky for an accessibility.

This event reminds of Lord Krishna's childhood when he along with his friends used to steal and eat butter from the earthen pots.

The message of Janmashtami is to observe dharma (righteousness). Lord Krishna was born to establish dharma at a time when there was evil and tyranny all around.

His birth symbolizes the victory of virtue over vice. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy all over the country. It represents communal harmony and shows the unique fusion of varying religion.