Story of Janmashtami, Why do We Celebrate Janmashtami Festival

Introduction: The Joy of Janmashtami

Janmashtami is one of the most loved and celebrated festivals in India. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This festival is filled with devotion, songs, dances, and traditions that bring joy to millions of people, not just in India but across the world.

This article will explain the story of Janmashtami, the reason for celebrating it, and all the customs and traditions that make it so special.

Who is Lord Krishna?

Lord Krishna is a major god in Hinduism. He is considered the god of love, wisdom, and protection. He is known for his mischievous childhood, deep teachings, and heroic acts in Hindu mythology.

He played a very important role in the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, where he delivered the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred book of guidance and wisdom.

When is Janmashtami Celebrated?

Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu calendar. This usually falls in August or September.

The Story Behind Janmashtami

Let us now dive into the story of Lord Krishna’s birth, which is both magical and meaningful.

The Evil King Kansa

A long time ago, there lived a cruel king named Kansa in the city of Mathura. He was feared by everyone because he was harsh, greedy, and evil. One day, Kansa’s sister Devaki got married to a kind man named Vasudeva. Kansa was very fond of his sister and decided to drive her to her new home.

Suddenly, a divine voice from the sky warned him:

“Kansa! The eighth child of Devaki will be your destroyer!”

This voice shocked Kansa. In anger, he pulled out his sword and tried to kill his sister. But Vasudeva stopped him and said:

“Don’t kill her. I promise to give you every child she bears.”

Kansa agreed and put the couple in prison. Each time Devaki gave birth, Kansa would take the baby and kill it. He did this to the first six babies. The seventh baby, Balarama, was saved through a divine trick by Lord Vishnu.

The Birth of Lord Krishna

When Devaki was pregnant with her eighth child, something divine happened. On the night of Krishna’s birth, the prison guards fell asleep, and the prison doors opened magically.

Vasudeva heard a celestial voice telling him to take the baby to Gokul, a nearby village, and leave him at the house of Nanda and Yashoda. The voice assured him that the baby was no ordinary child. It was the Lord himself.

With heavy rains falling and river Yamuna rising, Vasudeva carried baby Krishna in a basket on his head. A multi-headed serpent named Sheshnaag followed them, covering Krishna from the rain.

Vasudeva reached Gokul safely. He swapped baby Krishna with the newborn baby girl of Yashoda and Nanda. Then, he returned to the prison with the baby girl.

When Kansa came to kill the eighth baby, the girl escaped from his hands, rose into the sky, and laughed:

“The one who is going to destroy you is alive and safe!”

Why Do We Celebrate Janmashtami?

Janmashtami is not just about celebrating Krishna’s birth, it is also about celebrating hope, faith, victory of good over evil, and the divine love Krishna shared with the world.

Here are the main reasons why Janmashtami is celebrated:

1. To Honour the Birth of Lord Krishna
   The day marks the appearance of Lord Krishna, who saved humanity from evil and gave us the Bhagavad Gita, a spiritual guide.
2. Victory of Good Over Evil
   Krishna’s birth led to the end of Kansa’s rule. This reminds us that evil may rise, but it can never win over good.
3. Krishna’s Divine Teachings
   His words in the Gita teach us to do our duties without selfishness, to have faith, and to live with love and compassion.

How is Janmashtami Celebrated in India?

Janmashtami is celebrated with great energy and joy all across India. Let us see how people take part in this divine celebration.

1. Fasting and Prayer

Devotees observe fasts, chant bhajans, and sing devotional songs. Temples are decorated beautifully, and Krishna idols are bathed and dressed in new clothes.

2. Midnight Celebrations

Since Krishna was born at midnight, people gather in temples to celebrate the ‘Krishna Janmotsav’ with music, dances, and the ringing of bells. At midnight, the idol of baby Krishna is placed in a cradle, and people sing “Nand ke anand bhayo, Jai Kanhaiya Lal ki”.

3. Dahi Handi (Breaking the Pot)

In Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai, Dahi Handi is a famous tradition. A pot full of curd, butter, or money is hung high, and young boys form human pyramids to reach and break it. This reminds us of Krishna’s childhood mischief, where he would steal butter from pots.

4. Ras Lila and Krishna Plays

In places like Vrindavan and Mathura, special dramas called Ras Lila are performed. These plays show Krishna’s life stories and his playful acts with the Gopis (cowherd girls).

5. Decoration and Jhankis (Tableaus)

Homes and temples create beautiful scenes or ‘Jhankis’ with miniatures showing Krishna’s birth, his cradle, and scenes from his life. These tableaus attract people of all ages.

What Do People Eat on Janmashtami?

Though many people fast on this day, they also prepare special dishes to break their fast after midnight. Some popular food items include:

• Makhan Mishri (butter and sugar)
• Panjeri (a sweet mixture of dry fruits and sugar)
• Sabudana Khichdi
• Fruit salad
• Milk-based sweets like Rasgulla, Rabri, and Kheer

These dishes are offered to Lord Krishna before being eaten.

The Values Krishna Taught Us

Lord Krishna’s birth brought with it many spiritual lessons. Here are some of the values we learn from his life:

• Truth will always win
• Be brave and do your duty
• Help others and live with kindness
• Do not be greedy or selfish
• Live with love and devotion

Janmashtami Around the World

Janmashtami is not just an Indian festival anymore. It is now celebrated in:

• United Kingdom
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• Fiji
• Nepal
• Mauritius
• Trinidad and Tobago

In the UK, especially in London and Leicester, the ISKCON temples celebrate Janmashtami with grand processions, cultural programmes, and devotional music.

Why Janmashtami is Important for Children

Children love Janmashtami because of Krishna’s stories. Schools conduct:

• Fancy dress competitions
• Storytelling sessions
• Drawing competitions
• Cultural performances

This helps them learn about Indian culture, values, and traditions.

Conclusion: A Festival of Faith and Fun

The story of Janmashtami is filled with miracles, values, and love. It is a festival that brings people together to celebrate the divine birth of Lord Krishna, the symbol of hope and goodness. Whether you fast, pray, or simply enjoy the festivities, Janmashtami reminds us that light always wins over darkness.

Let us celebrate Janmashtami with joy, devotion, and love in our hearts!

Also Read:

• Story of Diwali – Why Do We Celebrate Diwali?
• Story of Holi – The Festival of Colours
• Importance of Indian Festivals in Modern Times
• Spiritual Meaning of Fasting in Hinduism