Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism. It is a festival that expresses the essence of Hindu spirituality and cultural richness. It commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, a deity whose wisdom and love guide and inspire humanity. When devotees come together to celebrate, they not only pay tribute to a divine being but also reaffirm their commitment to live a life of righteousness and devotion.
Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Puja Time and Duration
This year, according to Drik Panchang, the Nishita Puja timings for Krishna Janmashtami 2024 will start at 12:01 am on August 27 and end at 12:45 am on August 27. The duration of Krishna Janmashtami is- 00 hours 45 minutes.
Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Date and auspicious time
Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Gokulashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, Krishnashtami and Janmashtami, this festival is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Krishna Janmashtami 2024 is the 5251st birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
This year, according to the Drik Panchang, the Rohini Nakshatra for Janmashtami will begin at 03:55 PM on August 26 and will last till 03:38 PM on August 27. Meanwhile, the Ashtami tithi will begin at 03:39 AM on August 26 and end at 02:19 AM on August 27.
Krishna Janmashtami 2024: History and Significance
The history of Krishna Janmashtami is linked to ancient India. Lord Krishna was born in Mathura to King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki, but he grew up in Gokul under the care of his foster parents Nanda and Yashoda. His life is beautifully depicted in ancient texts, mainly the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavatam.
Lord Krishna was born at a time when Mathura was ruled by the evil king Kansa. A divine prophecy stated that Kansa would die at the hands of Devaki’s eighth child, which led the king to imprison Devaki and Vasudeva. However, Lord Krishna’s miraculous birth in the middle of a stormy night inside the prison marked the beginning of a new era of righteousness and the ultimate downfall of Kansa.
Krishna Janmashtami symbolizes the victory of good over evil and dharma over adharma. Lord Krishna, often referred to as the “God of Love” and “Paramatma”, imparted invaluable wisdom through the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the importance of duty and devotion.
His teachings transcend the boundaries of time and inspire people to lead a life of virtue, empathy and spirituality. This festival commemorates these teachings and encourages devotees to strive for higher spiritual consciousness.
Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Celebration
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Hindu communities across India and around the world. The celebrations begin at midnight when Lord Krishna was born and continue throughout the day. Some of the main aspects of the celebration are as follows:
Fasting: Many devotees observe fast on this day and consume only water and fruits until midnight, after which the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great pomp and show.
Midnight Aarti: At midnight, temples and homes reverberate with melodious hymns and prayers. The idol or image of Lord Krishna is bathed, adorned and offered special sweets, which symbolize the birth of Lord Krishna.
Dahi Handi: In Maharashtra and other regions, young men form human pyramids to break the “dahi handi” (a pot of curd) hanging very high above the ground. This replicates Lord Krishna’s childhood pranks of stealing butter and curd.
Tableaus and Processions: Elaborate tableaux depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna are set up in temples and homes. Processions are carried out with beautifully decorated idols of Lord Krishna and Radha accompanied by music and dance.
Feast: A sumptuous feast is prepared with a variety of delicacies, especially butter, milk and sweets, as these were Lord Krishna’s favourite dishes.
Raas Leela: In some regions, playful dances of Lord Krishna with the gopis are staged, known as “Raasleela”.
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