According to religious scriptures, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Krishna in order to free the Earth from sins and sinners. Lord Krishna was born to Devki and Vasudev at midnight in Rohini Nakshatra on Ashtami of Krishna Paksha during Bhadrapad month. People of Smmart and Vaishnav communities celebrate Janmashtami in their own different ways. People of Smmart community celebrate Janmashtami during Moon rise in Rohini Nakshatra. On the other hand, people of Vaishnav community celebrate Janmashtami during sun rise in Rohini Nakshatra.
Different Celebrations of Janmashtami
This festival is celebrated in a lot of different ways. Some people celebrate it with colors, while others use flowers and fragrances. A glimpse of Lord Krishna’s life can be seen in the exhibitions organized in various temples. A game of Dahi-Handi is also inevitable on this day. Devotees usually fast on this day. Lord Krishna’s idol is kept in a cradle. A lot of exhibitions can be seen in various temples.
Devotees from all around India visit Lord Krishna’s temples on this day. Brij is crowded throughout this period. Temples in Brij and Mathura are decorated with colors and flowers. People from all around the world visit these places on Janmashtami. Lord Krishna is offered turmeric, curd, ghee, oil, rose water, butter, saffron, camphor etc.
Janmashtami Fast Worship
According to shastras, a person fasting on this day attains salvation. This fast is believed to fulfill all kinds of desires. People are totally devoted and dedicated to Lord Krishna on this day. This fast is mandatory for people of Sanatan Dharma community. Fasts are kept on this day and Lord Krishna is worshipped by singing holy songs and bhajans. Exhibitions of Lord Krishna’s lives are organized in temples. People take baths in hole rivers on the day of Janmashtami.
An idol of Lord Krishna and his mother, Devki is kept in a cradle. This idol is made of gold, silver, copper, brass or even mud. Lord Krishna is worshipped after his idol is kept in a cradle. Names of Devki, Vasudev, Baldev, Nand, Yashoda and Laxmi are also used in the prayers. Even their idols are placed in temples on the day of Janmashtami. Lord Krishna is given a bath with water, flowers, fragrances etc. from a conch. Panchamrit is made with Tulsi, butter and sugar crystals.
Bhagavad Gita is read and worshipped at night. Lord Krishna is offered milk, curd, honey and water from river Yamuna. Lord Krishna’s idol is decorated and kept in a cradle. Devotees fast till midnight on this day. At midnight, sounds of conches, bhajans, kirtans and chants mark the birth of Lord Krishna.