New Delhi: Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, is one of India’s most cherished festivals celebrated worldwide. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Janmashtami celebrations are held in the holy cities of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura and Vrindavan, as they are deeply intertwined with Krishna’s birth and early life. Let us learn some interesting facts about Krishna Janmashtami and Lord Krishna.
Interesting facts about Krishna Janmashtami
The festival of Janmashtami is commemorated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in Bhadrapada, generally occurring in August or September. The number eight holds importance as Krishna was Devaki’s eighth child.
One of the most beloved legends of all time is the story of Lord Krishna’s birth; he is believed to be born at midnight. Vasudeva was told to take Lord Krishna to his Vrindavan-dwelling companion, Nanda, to save him. The travel was quite challenging due to the heavy downpour and thunderstorms. Vasudeva was adamant, though. He continued going while carrying young Krishna on his head. The Snake God, Shesh Nag, also subtly emerged behind to shield his Lord from the rain and defend him.
Krishna Janmashtami is not only the largest religious festival in India but also one of the largest festivals in the world. More than 900 million people are believed to celebrate this festival with zeal and enthusiasm. Large-scale celebrations occur throughout the US, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Poland. Each region’s unique customs, prayers, and celebrations give the festival a diverse and intriguing flavour, making it a fascinating cultural spectacle.
On this day, people create beautiful jhakis that tell the tale of Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna is said to have 108 names, and every name he has, from Mohan and Hari to Ghanshyam and Govind, represents a distinct facet of his divine nature. On Janmashtami, these names are not just repeated in bhajans and hymns, but they fill the air with a profound sense of devotion, bringing the spiritual essence of the festival to life.
The abhishek ceremony, conducted at midnight on the exact day when Krishna was born, is the highlight of Janmashtami. The deity of Krishna is bathed with a concoction of milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, and water during this hallowed ritual. Vedic chants are chanted during the ceremony, and conch (shank) shells and bells ringing are the accompaniments. As a show of love and devotion, devotees offer 56 distinct foods to Krishna after the abhishek, a practice called chappan bhog. This contribution is then given to the devotees as prasad.
In Maharashtra, the festival of Krishna Janmashtami is known for its major attraction, ‘dahi-handi’. This unique tradition involves forming human pyramids to reach and break a pot filled with curd, hung at a great height.
Preparations are in full swing to welcome Lord Krishna. Janmashtami, or Krishna Janmashtami, will be observed on Monday, August 2r. On Janmashtami, let us know some interesting facts about the festival celebrated worldwide. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
