How India Celebrates Krishna Janmashtami – Festivities Across India
Krishna Janmashtami or popularly known as Janmashtami, an auspicious occasion, marks the birth of Lord Krishna, celebrated with great loyalty and heightened spirits across India, adding hope, happiness, heavenly and holy bliss to our hearts.
Janmashtami is celebrated by Hindu devotees to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna who is believed to be the eighth avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna was born in an era of turmoil, chaos and when evil was reigning everywhere. Born as the eighth child to Devaki and Vasudeva, he proved the prophecy right that proclaimed the evil King Kansa will die in the hands of his eighth nephew.
According to the Hindu calendar, it falls every year on the ‘eighth day’ or ‘Ashtami’ of the holy month, Shravana. Devotees across India and the world celebrate Janmashtami in their unique ways. This year, the festival of Janmashtami will be observed on August 11 across India.
Lord Krishna is god that entire India devours, respects and prays. Janmashtami is celebrated across the country with lots pomp and devotion. Though this year, we might not be witnessing the famous Krishnaleela games that are played as part of this festival, people will celebrate in their very own fashion all over the country.
Besides the pujas, this festival is also celebrated in different ways including organising Dahi handi competitions, Raas leela performances across the country.
Let us look at how different regions celebrate:
Maharashtra: In the western part of India i.e. Maharashtra, Janmashtami’s celebrated as Gokulashtami, a fest staging Krishna’s pursuit of his favourite food. ‘Dahi Handi’ events are organised and youths – ‘Govindas’ compete to grab the title by forming human pyramids and breaking the earthen pot filled with curd. In Maharashtra, the youth celebrates this legend by organising Dahi Handi competitions that are concluded with prize distribution ceremony. Groups of young boys and men form a human pyramid to break an earthen pot filled with curd hung about 20-30 feet from the ground on a rope. The pyramid collapses a number of times but the boys don’t give up till the pot is broken as onlookers cheer them up. The enthusiasm in young participants makes the festival of Dahi Handi lively and extremely euphoric.
Gujarat: While in Gujarat, the same fest is organized with great zeal and enthusiasm, commonly known as Makhan Handi. As Dwarka is believed to be the Lord Krishna’s kingdom, the city envelops itself in holy looks with bhajans, kirtans and sermons suppressing evil and brightening up the air.
Uttar Pradesh: Lord Krishna was born in Mathura aka ‘Krishna Janma Bhoomi’ while he spent his childhood in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. So, swings are made, embellished with flowers and ornaments personifying Krishna’s birth cradle. The showstopper affairs of the moment are Rasleela, Jhanki Pradarshan and Jhulautsav, exhibiting the famous folklore of his adolescent years. Devotees from all over the world gather to see and participate in the rituals and events that take place on the auspicious day. Krishna leelas and Raas leelas that narrate the life of Lord Krishna in the form of plays and dance performances are organised by groups that attract lakhs of tourists from all over the globe. The temples in the regions that are decorated with flower and lights come to life at night.
Manipur: To the far-eastern side of India, Manipur, you could see people immersed in different colours. They celebrate this auspicious day with cultural dance and music programmes – a classical dance form known for its Hindu Vaishnav themes.
South India: In Tamil Nadu, Janmashtami’s celebrated by decorating the house, making spectacular patterns of rice batters, ‘Kolams’ and footprints of Lord Krishna from the entering door to the veranda, signifying his arrival. Devotional songs, religious hymns and mantras, are sung; sweet seedai and verkadalai urundai are prepared and offered to the deities.
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