Held on 18th - 19th August 2022

Janmashtami is a Major Hindu festival which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna was the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu born as human in ‘Dwapur Yug’ (Iron Age). His date of birth is considered to be July 19th 3228 BC.

When is Janmashtami?

Sri Krishna was born in the 'Rohini' Nakshatram’ (star) on the 8th day (Ashtami tithi) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Sravana as per the Hindu Calendar. This date always falls within mid-August to mid-September as per the Gregorian calendar.

• Janmashtami Story          

• Janmashtami Celebrations

• Celebrations in World

• Janmashtami Holiday

• Janmashtami Synonyms

The word, ‘Krishna’ means, ‘one who is always in the transport of joy’. It also means ‘Black’, which is also the reason why he was named as such; Lord Krishna had a dark complexion. Lord Krishna is known by many other names depending upon his characteristics and accomplishments. Thus, he is known as ‘Makhan Chor’ (butter thief), as he was fond of makhan (butter) and used to steal it with his friends. Similarly, he is also known as ‘Girdhari’ owing to the miracle of lifting Govardhan Mountain to save the people from rain. Last but not the least, he was known as ‘Banwari’ because staying in the groves of Vrindavan was his favourite pastime. Krishna represents ‘Power of Attraction’ (Aakarshna Shakti) as he was a constant and infinite source of joy for his beloved ones. This Aakarshna Shakti manifests all levels of joy, be it spiritual joy, mental or emotional joy. This, the reason why he is also considered as the most romantic Hindu god. Apart from it Krishna was known for great wisdom, which is reflected in Bhagavad Gita, the holy book of Hindus. In this sense, Janmashtami also commemorates his holy deeds on earth for the mankind.

Krishna Janmashtami History

Janmashtami Story

Kansa’s Rule - According to the legends, during 3200-3100 B.C., in kingdom of Mathura, there lived a King named 'Ugrasen'. He had two children, prince Kansa and princess Devaki. Kansa was a selfish, mighty and evil person. His father, had chosen Vasudev, a highly ranked army official as the groom for his daughter - Devika. Agreeing to the decision, Kansa arranged a lavish wedding for his only sister. While Kansa was riding on a chariot along with the newly wed couple an Akashvani (heavenly voice) interrupted the journey. It predicted that Devki's 8th son would kill Kansa. Upon hearing the prophecy, Kansa imprisoned the newly wed couple as a mean to counter his predicted death. Kansa also imprisoned his own father behind bars as he could prove to be a deterrent to his evil plan. He crowned himself as the King of Mathura. He waited until the arrival of the Devki's first child. The moment Kansa heard the news of the birth of Devki's first child; he headed towards the prison ferociously, got hold of the newborn and killed the child. Thereafter, he kept killing all the other 6 newborns of Devki. However, the 8th child was special as he was heavenly. When the time of the birth of the 8th child came, Vasudev heard a heavenly voice, which commanded him to take the newborn to Gokul and exchange it with the newborn girl child of Nanda and Yashoda.

Birth of Lord Krishna - It was a dark, stormy night; the 8th day of the 2nd fortnight of the month of Shravana, when the Lord Krishna came into this world. It was a night of miracles; the prison guards fell asleep and were unable to report the event. The shackles and the prison gate opened miraculously. Vasudev left the prison with the newborn in a small basket and nobody noticed. He carried the newborn and crossed the waters of stormy Yamuna River. As it was raining heavily, a huge snake known as Adisesha with its 2000 hoods, glided behind the father and the newborn to provide protection from water with his hoods. When Vasudev reached the opposite bank of the river, he found all the people of Gokul fast asleep. He entered the residence Nanda and Yashoda, and placed the baby Krishna in place of Yashoda’s baby girl. Then, Vasudev returned to the prison with the baby girl. When Vasudev returned from Gokul, the shackles fastened automatically, the doors of the prison closed and the guards woke up.

Childhood of Lord Krishna - Upon hearing the sound of the baby, the guards immediately informed Kansa. Kansa went to the cell and got hold of the newborn. He flung the baby on the prison wall to kill it. But instead of hitting the wall, the child transformed into a goddess. She laughed at him and declared that the 8th son was already born, safe and would grow up to kill him. Elsewhere in Gokul, there was great rejoicing upon the birth of a son in the household of Nanda. Nanda named the child Krishna. Krishna was a prankster right from his childhood as he often stole fresh Makhan (homemade butter) from every household of Gokul. Though he played around mischievously, everybody loved him, especially the Gopis or Gopika’s (cow-herd girls). He had a mystic effect on, not only the Gopis but also the cows which were mesmerised by his flute’s sweet music.

Gopis and Krishna – There were about 108 Gopis in Gokul. Of all gopis, Radha loved Krishna the most. Radha and Krishna were celestial beings and their love was eternal. Whether they were married or not, their love made them united forever. Krishna would often play pranks on other Gopis. Once, Lord Krishna stole Gopis clothes and rendered them nude which is considered to be a lesson for Gopis; that lesson was to give up the body-idea, sex-idea and attain to the bodiless and sexless immortal soul. In the forests of Vrindavan, Krishna often played his flute and gopis danced with him in ecstasy. When Lord Krishna would suddenly disappear, they would roam from forest to forest in his search. Saddended by his disappearance they would sing in chorus and pray fervently for his return. Upon hearing their pleas, Krishna would appear and return their peace with his presence. The gopis' love for Krishna signifies the eternal bond between the individual soul and God. The dance of the gopis and Krishna (Rasa Lila) signifies the union of the human and Divine, the dance of the souls.

Extraordinary Feats – Lord Krishna fought and defeated many demons and monsters.

Some of his feats:

Witch Putana – Witch Putana was the first demon that Krishna faced. She was a witch who specialized in murdering babies. She could change her form. Upon Kansas insistence she turned herself into a beautiful nurse. She entered the household of Krishna and fed the asleep Krishna with her poison smeared breasts. However, it was Putana who ended up dead.

Kaliya, the Giant Snake - At the age of 8, Krishna performed another amazing feat, Krishna and his friends were playing with a ball near the the bank of Yamuna river. There was a huge snake which lived in the dangerous whirlpool of the river. While playing the ball fell into the river. Fearless Krsihna, plunged into the river to pull out the ball. Kaliya, the snake, detected krishna's presence in his domain. The snake spouted poison and encircled Krishna in its coils. But Krishna overpowered the snake. While outside, everyone was concerned but to their amazement Krishna appeared on the surface of water playing his flute and standing upon the head of Kaliya.

End of Kansa – King Kansa came to know about 8th child which had escaped from his clutches. He arranged for a competition of combat and invited Krishna and Balram (younger brother) to Mathura. Kansa had planned a wrestling match for the brothers. His idea was that the giant wrestlers would end the lives of both. However, the brothers defeated both the giant wrestlers. Witnessing this, kansa ordered the killing of the victorious one’s. Hearing this Krishna jumped on the dias where kansa was sitting. He caught him with his legs and dragged him into the arena and in a battle, killed kansa. Thus came to an end the era of torturous rule of Kansa and end of imprisonment of his real parents.

Krishna and Pandavas – Pandavas were the first cousin of Krishna. Kauravas were cousins to the Pandavas. They cheated their cousins of their rightful share of the kingdom. This led to a war in which Krishna acted as the charioteer of Arjuna (pandava). In this war, Lord Krishna recited to Arjuna, the divine song of Bhagavad Gita. This effort was pivotal in winning the war as Arjun had lost his will to fight.

Krishna was no ordinary being, as he displayed miracles which exhibited that he was a form of God. Since then, the people of Nandgaon celebrated the birth of Krishna as a day of fortune, peace, prosperity and religion which spreads the message of brotherhood and humanity.

Janmashtami Celebrations

Traditions, Activities and Events

Major Janmashtami celebrations take place at midnight as Krishna was born during at this time. Fasting, bhajans, pujas and many other rituals mark Janmashtami celebrations in India. The cultural aspects are represented by the traditionally dressed devotees. The raas or dance is also done with devotees taking part with spiritual fervour. People enjoy in the merrymaking at the midnight of ashtami, by singing devotional songs and dancing to the tune of bhajans. The most popular Janmashtami celebrations are held in Vrindhavan, Mathura, Dwaraka as Lord Krishna spent his life here. In some part of the North India, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated for 3 days. The first two days are celebrated in a colourful manner. Dance drama, known as Raslila, is performed. Incidents from Sri Krishna's life, especially his childhood, are depicted in the drama. On the second day of the festival, a popular ceremony known as 'Dahi Handi' takes place wherein the pot containing curd or butter or milk is broken by the youth.

• Fasting – People fast on the previous day (Saptami, seventh day). At midnight, the idol of the infant Krishna is bathed, adorned in new clothes and jewellery, placed in a cradle and worshipped. The fast is completed after Aarti (a special prayer). At day break, ladies draw patterns of little children's footprints outside the house with rice-flour paste, walking towards the house. This symbolizes the entry of the infant Krishna into his foster-home i.e. their homes.

There are 2 types of fasts, observed on or before Janmashtami:

1. Nirjal Fast – Nirjal Vrat (fasting without water) is self explanatory; the observers do not consume even a drop of water, all through the day of Janmashtami. The fast is broken only in the midnight, when aarti is performed and prasad are offered to the deity. Nirjal fasts are considered  to bring  almighty closer to humans.
2. Phalahar Fast - Phalahar stands for ‘Fruit Fast’ in Hindi. During Phalahar Vrat, the fast observer can consume milk and fruits. However, cannot consume cereals and other types of food. The fast is broken in the midnight, after Janmashtami Puja. During both the types of fast, people pass their time by singing bhajans (devotional songs) of Lord Krishna and chant mantras.

• Feasting – Fasting maybe followed by feasting, though it is not a custom. Various types of sweets are prepared or bought. Milk and curd are the key ingredients of most of the recipes as these were Sri Krishna's favourite childhood food. Peda (sweet made of khoya - dried milk food) is popular in Mathura. In Kerala, Paal Payasam (milk kheer) and Neyyappam are the traditional food items. While in Tamil Nadu, Murukku and Vella Seedai are prepared. Other food items include Laddus (yellu oonde), Chakli, Cheedai, Shrikhand (sweet golden yogurt), Singhade Ki Poori, and Gulabjamun are prepared. All these are offered to Lord Krishna. Only after offering any of the food items to the Lord, can these be consumed by people.
  
  
• Special Prayers - Janmashtami Pooja refers to Special Prayers which are conducted in many Lord Krishna temples of India, as well as homes. These prayers involve a sacred bath to the idol of baby Krishna, using Gangajal (holy water of Hindus), water collected from River Ganga). After bathing, the idol is adorned with new clothes (that are decked with precious stone) that are made especially for embellishing it on the auspicious occasion. Yellow, orange and red may be the color of the clothes. Thereafter, the idol is clad with jewellery. The holy place is illuminated with diyas (earhen lamps), while the devotees chant mantras and sing bhajans, praising Lord Krishna. Next, the idol is swung in a cradle, during which conches are blown. The celebrations, thus begin with singing of devotional songs and by dancing with great joy. The prayer is conducted to invoke Lord Krishna and seek his blessings. Though, these prayers are conducted during the daytime of Janamashtami, but the Main Prayer (pooja) including Aarti (fire ritual), is conducted in the midnight of the festival. Devotees chant mantras of Lord Krishna and join in singing bhajans (holy songs). Janmashtami puja requires certain items to be placed as each puja item has a significance. Some of the very important puja items for Krishna Janmashtami include a puja thali, bell, diya (earthen lamp), rice, cardamom, betel nuts (pan supari), beetle leaves, roli, small container (lota) filled with Gangajal, honey, vermilion (sindoor), incense sticks, flowers and clarified butter (ghee). Apart from this, one also requires new clothes and jewellery for the deity as well as a small cradle. Thereafter, sweets and dishes are served to the devotees. Panchmati, a prepartion of Gangajal, honey, ghee, milk and yogurt is consumed by the fasting devotees.
  
  
• Raslila – Raslila means ‘Dance Drama’ in English. These dramas depict some of the important phases of Krishna’s life, with special emphasis on the days spent by him in Gokul. These are organised by various communities. Devotees enjoy the scenes of Rasa leela performed by professional artists. Generally, Brahmin boys aged between 10 and 13 years are selected to enact as Lord Krishna in Raslila. The main theme of the dance drama revolves around the formative years of Lord Krishna. Apart from Raslila, other themes are also chosen for the performance. These may include Janamleela (the birth of Lord Krishna), Shanklarleela, Putanaleela (the assassination of the demon Putana) and Nagleela (the killing of serpent Kaliya). The troupes perform the dance drama with utmost devotion. In fact, Shri Krishna Rasa leela is one of the main forms of entertainment on Janmashtami.
  
  
• Janmashtami Rangoli - Janmashtami Rangoli is a colourful representation of the festival. Also, known as Kolam, it is drawn at the entrance way because it is considered auspicious. These are drawn at the entranceway, to welcome Lord Krishna. Rangoli is a kind of decorative motif, which is made by using finely ground white powder, colours or even flowers. On Janmashtami, people prefer adorning their verandah (courtyard) with Alpana (another name of rangoli) with colours or chalk. In south India, kolam is usually drawn using rice flour. Footprints representing those of Krishna are drawn from the front yard to the pooja room, representing the god entering the devotee's home.
  
  
• Vrindavan Celebrations – Vrindavan is holy town situated along the banks of River Yamuna. It is located 15 km away from Mathura - the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the reason why which this place is famous for pilgrimage and observing this auspicious occasion in North India. But, Vrindavan is more important because it was here that Lord Krishna performed the rasleelas with his beloved Gopis. People from all over India throng this place to offer their obeisance’s and prayers. The local people start celebrating this festival, some 7-10 days prior to the exact date of the festival. Various plays are staged at different places in the town. Professional artists are called upon to give their best performance on the festive season, so that they are showered the blessings of Lord Krishna. Excerpts from the story of Janmashtami are depicted in the dramas, which are conducted all through the festive season. Some of the important temples of Vrindavan, which are visited during Janmashtami, include Banke Bihari Temple, Rangnathji Temple, Shri krishna Balram Temple, Radharaman Temple and ISCKON Temple. The timings are fixed for various ceremonies and pujas that are conducted all through the day, in the temples on the occasion of Janmashtami. One of the important rituals of the temples is Abhishek (holy bath) during which darshans are open for the devotees.
  
  
• Dahi Handi  - Dahi Handi means ‘Pot of Curd or Buttermilk’ in English.  Dahi Handi, however means more than that, it is a traditional practice which imitates young krsihna’s stealing of curd from the pot which was tied to a rope at a height, to keep it away from the reach of anyone. This religious observance is practised in various parts of northern india. However, the most popular one is the one conducted in Mumbai (Maharashtra). Some of the most famous handis are placed at Dadar, Mazgaon, Lalbaug, Thane and Babu Genu, Mandai in Pune. Cash and gifts are offered for Govinda troops to participate. As observed in most regions, Handi (earthen pot filled with buttermilk) is suspended from top, with the help of a rope. The devotees have to reach the handi, break it and spill it over the entire group, symbolizing their achievement through unity. A certain group of men and boys (known as govinda pathaks) form a pyramid to reach the pot. Onlookers throw water on the human pyramid in order to stop them from reaching the earthen pot. There is lot of excitement in the environment as the group may not successful in a single attempt and the people chant to encourage the formation, one again. The eventual success enthrals all. It is the most awaited event during the festival.
  
  
• Cultural Programs  - Various Cultural Programs are organized by various organisations at various venues. Small children are dressed up as Lord Krishna and Radha during such cultural programs.
  
  
• Kannada Traditions - In Karnataka, followers of Saint Madhwacharya, Saint Ramanujacharya and Adi Shankara are known for arranging grand celebrations. The idol of Lord Krishna is placed in a decorated mantapa (a pillared outdoor hall or pavilion). Bhakshanam (snacks and sweets in Sanskrit), are specially prepared and offered to Lord Krishna along with fruits as these were Krishna favourite. In some parts of Karnataka, ‘Chakli’, ‘Avalakki’ and ‘Bellada Panaka’ are prepared especially for the festival. Hand made ‘Avalakki’ is prepared in memory of Krishna's friend Sudhama, who had once offered it to Krishna, (one of his favourite snacks). Singing classical literature in musical form (Gamaka vachana) and other devotional activities are held in the evening.
  
  
• Tamil Traditions – Here the Brahmins (Iyers & Iyengars), Yadhavars, Chettiars and Pillais are known for celebrating the festival. The tamil version of ‘Handi’ is known as ‘Uriadi’ or climbing a stick containing a pot of sweet curds. It is a major event in Varahur and other parts of Tamil Nadu.
  
  
• Manipuri Traditions - In Manipur, Janmaashtami is known as ‘Krishna Janma’. Major festivities are celebrated at 2 temples in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. These temples are Govindaji Temple and International Society for Krishna Consciousness Temple.

• Eastern State Traditions - In the eastern state of Orissa, around Puri and West Bengal in Nabadwip, people observe it with the recitation of Purana Pravachana contained in Bhagavata Purana from the 10th Skandha ,which deals with past times of Lord Krishna. The next day is called Nanda Utsav or the joyous celebration of Nanda and Yashoda. On this day people break their fast and offer various cooked sweets during the early hour.

Janmashtami celebrations in other parts of the world

Canadian Janamashtami – In Canada, the Hindu temple located in Richmond Hill organizes various cultural programs to commemorate this occasion. Prayers and chanting of mantras is observed. Indian residents meet and interact with other people of the community. The temple society organizes colourful programs, one of the prominent being musical concerts which is the highlight of the day.

French Janamashtami – The capital of France – Paris holds the major celebration of Janamashtami.  People visit temples and offer their prayers in commemoration of Lord Krishna. During the midnight, bathing of lord Krishna and other similar costumes are also observed.

Malaysian Janamashtami - Lord Krishna Temple in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia is the hub of Janamasahtami festivities. Bathing of Krishna’s idol and other rituals are observed.

Nepalese Janamashtami -  The ancient Krishna temple located in old Patan Durbar Square is thronged by devotees. They offer flowers, food and coins to Lord Krishna. They also chant his name and mantras to commemorate his birthday.

US Janamshtami – USA has a considerable population of Indians and as such Janmashtami is celebrated with similar fervour. New York, Massachusetts, Orlando and California are the areas where traditional festivities and other events are held. The idol of baby Krishna is placed in a cradle and conches are blown in the midnight, to honour the birth of the deity. During the daytime, people visit the nearest temple to offer prayers to Lord Krishna.

Singaporean Janamashtami – In Singapore, Seragoon Road happens to be buzzing area related to celebrations. Here, the shops sell baby Krishna idols and other puja items. Religious processions are carried out to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Shree Lakshmi Narayan Temple located at Chander Road, Singapore, is well known for the celebrations of Janmashtami. 'Krishna Chanting competition' is one of the unique features of the celebrations of Janmashtami in Singapore.

Alternate Names

Krishna Janmashtami, Krishnashtami, Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, Sree Jayanthi.

Janmashtami Holiday

Holiday Status - It is a Gazetted Holiday.