Janmashtami

 


Krishna Janmashtmi, Krishna Ashtami or Gokulashtami is a popular festival of India and celebrated among Hindus with a great zeal. Janmashtmi which is known to be the birthday of God Krishna is celebrated as the festival of Janmashtami by the Vaishnavas. People wait for the janmashtami festival every year to celebrate it in a grand manner.
The festival of Janmashtmi which is also known as Krishnashtmi is a symbol of absolute faith of people in Lord Krishna. The enthusiasm of people can be witnessed in all parts of the country and the zeal with which Janmashtmi is celebrated is unmatchable. Two more popular name of Janmashtmi are Sri Jayanthi and Gokulashtmi
Story of Janmashtami
There is an interesting story behind the origin and celebration of Janmashtami. King Kansa of Mathura was a wicked king. He was also known to be as the uncle of Sri Krishna. He had a sister Devaki whose husband was Vasudeva. There was a prediction that Devaki’s eighth child would kill Kansa, the wicked king. Kansa heard the prediction and imprisoned his sister and brother-in-law. He had ordered his guards to kill all the children born to them. The eighth child who was an incarnation of Lord  Vishnu was born at midnight on the eighth day of Shravan. After this, Vasudeva came out of the jail after finding all the guards in the hypnotic sleep. He, with the help of Sheshnag, who saved the child from the torrential rains managed to save this child from the clutches of the king Kansa. Yashoda, a lady who was living across the river Yamuna, also gave birth to a female child. Vasudeva exchanged the child and placed Sri Krishna there and brought with him the female child. In the meantime, Kansa reached there and wanted to get rid of the child. As he was about to kill the child, the child disappeared into the air by uttering the prediction that the person he wanted to kill was already born. Finally, Sri Krishna killed King Kansa and brought end to his wickedness.
Celebration of Janamashtami
The tale of Krishna’s birth is recited and remembered from temples and households. The story
signifies the divine power of Lord Krishna. Devotional songs are sung which are dedicated to Lord Krishna.  Cities all over India get into a trance like mode. People visit temples at night, join their hands and bow their heads in front of Krishna’s idol with enormous faith.
A small cradle is placed with a miniature Krishna’s idol in it as a symbol of his birth. Devotees swing the cradle joyously and celebrate the arrival of Shri Krishna by reciting aarti (prayer) and bhajans. Devotees fast for the whole long day, they break their fast at midnight or on the next day. Fragrance of the flowers, soothing aroma of burning camphor and jingle of the temple bells fill the atmosphere with divinity.
Significance of Janamashtmi
Janamashtmi has its own significance. The main significance of this festival lies in encouraging the goodwill and discouraging the bad will. Krishna Janamashtmi is also celebrated for the togetherness. This holy festival brings all the people together. Hence Krishna Ashtami symbolises faith and unity.