Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Shri Krishna, the manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Janmashtami is a festival which is celebrated by Hindus across the world with lot of jubilation and excitement. Dwarka, Mathura and Vrindavan are the places in India which attract the maximum visitors during the festival of Janmashtami. These places are the best destinations if you are in India to witness the amazing celebrations associated with Janmashtami. Festival of Janmashtami is also well known as Gokulashtami or Krishnaashtami and is celebrated across the world with same fervour as is seen in India during this auspicious festival.
Shri Krishna idols are bathed and decorated at midnight (The time on which Shri Krishna took birth) and many rituals are performed during the prayers offered to Shri Krishna. Another popular attraction during the festival of krishna janmashtami is the one of the most popular Dahi Handi event which is celebrated all across the state of Maharashtra.
During this event human pyramids are formed with an objective of breaking the dahi handi which are tied high above the ground. This is a very popular event which is also televised across the nation and leaves everyone spellbound with excitement.
Krishna Janmashtami 2014
In 2014, Janmashtami Festival is celebrated on sunday, 17th of August. Krishna Janmashtami 2014 is the celebration of the birth of Lord Shri Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, believed to have been born about five thousand years ago in Mathura in 'Dwapar Yuga'. This celebration is said to be revealed firstly by the Sri Krishna himself to Yudhishthira, the eldest of Pandavas, as mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Puran. He was born to Vasudev and Devki, who were imprisoned by Devki's immorality brother Kansa and was brought up by Nand and Yashoda.
The birth of Lod Krishna is believed to be symbolic of our imprisonment in worldly illusions, where He took birth with us and led us to salvation and peace, vanquishing all evils depicted by Kansa in the story. Hindus all over India observe fast on this day and recite the life story and teachings of Sri Krishna noted in the form of 'shlokas' in Bhagwad Gita. Temples of Lord Krishna are decorated most delightfully and children are adorned as Lord Krishna and Radhika, his spiritual beloved.
Krishna Leela or the plays depicting scenes from Krishna's life, especially childhood, are performed. At midnight, when Lord Krishna was believed to have taken birth, an 'aarti' is performed and people break their fasts by feasting on sweets and delicious dishes prepared especially for the occasion. In many parts, the child Krishna is installed in a swing and offered sumptuous food, especially 'Makkhan' (butter) and 'Mishri' (sugar cubes).