Krishna Janmashtami: A Celebration of the Divine Birth
Krishna Janmashtami (Sanskrit: कृष्णजन्माष्टमी, romanized: Kṛṣṇajanmāṣṭamī), also known as Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Some Hindu texts, such as the Gita Govinda, regard Krishna as the supreme God and the origin of all avatars. The festival is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada Masa, which aligns with August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
Significance and Traditions
Janmashtami is especially important within the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. The festival’s customs include religious readings and recitations, devotional singing, dance performances depicting Krishna’s life as described in the Bhagavata Purana, and fasting until midnight, which is believed to be the hour of Krishna’s birth. This joyous celebration is marked across India and beyond.
Etymology
Meaning of Janmashtami
The Sanskrit term “Janmashtami” is derived from two words: “Janma” meaning “birth,” and “Ashtami” meaning “eighth.” Thus, Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Krishna on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Shravana (August–September).
Historical Background
The Birth of Krishna
Krishna’s life story is chronicled in texts like the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and the Bhagavata Purana. He was the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva, born under dire circumstances in a prison in Mathura, India, where his parents were held captive by his uncle, King Kamsa. A prophecy had foretold that Devaki’s eighth son would be Kamsa’s downfall. To prevent this, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and killed their first six newborns. However, during Krishna’s birth, the guards fell asleep, and the cell doors miraculously opened, allowing Vasudeva to carry Krishna across the Yamuna River to the safety of his foster parents, Yashoda and Nanda.
This legend is celebrated on Janmashtami with fasting, singing devotional songs, and keeping vigil until midnight.
Childhood Adventures
Throughout his youth, Krishna shared many adventures with his half-brother Balarama, such as stealing butter, playing with calves, and engaging in wrestling matches. These episodes from Krishna’s life are commemorated in the regions of Vraja, Brindavan, Dwarka, and Mathura.
Observance and Celebrations
General Celebrations
Janmashtami is celebrated by Hindus worldwide with fasting, singing, prayers, night vigils, and visits to Krishna or Vishnu temples. In Mathura and Vrindavan, pilgrims flock to witness the festivities. In many northern Indian communities, dance-dramas known as Rasa Lila or Krishna Lila are performed, especially in regions like Mathura, Manipur, Assam, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. These plays often begin days before Janmashtami and depict Krishna’s divine pastimes.
Homes are decorated with flowers and lights, and people chant “Hare Krishna” as part of the celebration. After the midnight birth of Krishna, forms of baby Krishna are bathed, clothed, and placed in cradles. Devotees then break their fast with food and sweets. Women often draw tiny footprints outside their homes, symbolizing Krishna’s journey into their lives.
Dahi Handi Tradition
The day following Janmashtami, known as Dahi Handi, is particularly popular in Maharashtra. It involves youth groups forming human pyramids to break a pot filled with buttermilk, reenacting Krishna’s childhood pastime of stealing butter.
Regional Celebrations
Northern India
In North India, Janmashtami is a major festival, particularly in the Braj region, including Mathura and Vrindavan. Krishna temples are adorned with lights, and devotees participate in bhakti events and night vigils. The Raslila tradition, involving dance and drama performances, is prominent during Janmashtami, symbolizing the soul’s longing for the divine.
Jammu Region
In the Jammu region, Janmashtami, known locally as “Thogre/Thakure da Vrat,” involves a day-long fast and various community events. Kite-flying and palm decoration with indigenous plant dyes are common practices. Additionally, a ceremony called “Deyaa Parna” involves donating grains in honor of ancestors and deities.
Kashmir
Among the Kashmiri Pandits, Janmashtami is known as Zaram Satam. It is marked by fasting and temple visits, where devotees perform abhishek (ritual bathing) of Krishna’s idol and sing devotional songs. Fasting foods such as gaer and singhada lapsi are prepared.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Janmashtami is celebrated as Dahi Handi. This event features teams of young men forming human pyramids to break clay pots filled with buttermilk, reenacting Krishna’s childhood antics. It is a vibrant public celebration that emphasizes community spirit and social unity.
Gujarat and Rajasthan
In Gujarat, especially in Dwarka where Krishna is believed to have established his kingdom, the festival includes similar pot-breaking activities known as Makhan Handi. Folk dances like garba and raas, devotional singing, and visits to Krishna temples are common. The Pushtimarg and Swaminarayan communities in Gujarat also observe Janmashtami with special devotion.
South India
In Kerala, Janmashtami is celebrated according to the Malayalam calendar in September. In Tamil Nadu, people create kolams (decorative patterns) and draw footprints symbolizing Krishna’s arrival. Devotional songs from the Geetha Govindam are sung, and offerings are made to Krishna. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana celebrate with shlokas and songs, with young boys dressed as Krishna visiting homes.
Eastern and Northeastern India
In regions like West Bengal, Assam, and Manipur, Janmashtami celebrations are influenced by the teachings of Sankardeva and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The traditional dance-drama styles like Ras Lila are performed, embodying the love and devotion between Krishna, Radha, and the gopis. The festival is a time for reciting scriptures, performing pujas, and decorating temples.
Odisha and West Bengal
In Odisha, particularly around Puri, Janmashtami is observed with fasting and worship until midnight. The Bhagavata Purana is recited, and a grand abhisheka is performed for Krishna. The following day, Nanda Ucchhaba celebrates Krishna’s foster parents.
Celebrations Outside India
Nepal
With a significant Hindu population, Nepal celebrates Janmashtami with fasting, recitations of the Bhagavad Gita, and decorated temples. It is a national holiday, and Krishna motifs adorn homes and shops.
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Janmashtami is a national holiday. A significant event is the procession from Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka, which has been a tradition since 1902, with a brief interruption before resuming in 1989.
Fiji
In Fiji, Janmashtami, known as “Krishna Ashtami,” is celebrated over eight days, culminating in the day of Krishna’s birth. The festival includes recitations from the Bhagavat Purana and devotional singing, reflecting the diverse Hindu traditions brought by Indian indentured laborers.
Pakistan
Pakistani Hindus celebrate Janmashtami in places like the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Karachi, with bhajans and sermons. It is an optional holiday in Pakistan.
Global Celebrations
Janmashtami is also observed by Hindu communities in the United States, the Caribbean, and other countries, with various local customs reflecting the diverse global Hindu diaspora.
