What is Janmashtami, and when is it celebrated?

Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna(the eighth avatar of Vishnu). Krishna Ashtami2021/Krishna Janmashtami 2021 is observed on Monday, 30 August.


How to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami?

It is an important festival, particularly in the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. Dance-drama enactments of the life of Krishna according to the Bhagavata Purana, devotional singing through the midnight when Krishna was born, fasting (upavasa), a night vigil (Ratri Jagaran), and a festival (Mahotsav) on the following day are a part of the Janmashtami celebrations.


How can we observe Sri Krishna Janmashtami at our homes? Is there a standard process? Can women observe this? Can children observe this? Can we have a simple method to practice this? 

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Vrata describes two levels of practice: 

  1. Sarala Vrata or simple process.
  2. Sampūrṇa Vrata or a more elaborate process.

The level you wish to observe the vrata is as per your convenience and practical considerations. Men, women or children can observe these practices. One can begin following the Sarala vrata and then, after a few years of practice, can observe the Sampūrṇa vrata. If due to changes in your life situation, if you wish to simplify from Sampūrṇa vrata to Sarala vrata, it is not an offence.


Benefits of performing Krishna Jayanti:

  1. Attain great fortune, peace at home & avoid untimely death.
  2. Achieve the results equivalent to observing two hundred million Ekādaśis.
  3. Success in all attempts & guaranteed remembrance of Lord Krishna at the time of death.

How to observe Janmashtami vrata?

  1. Morning Duties include waking up one and half hours before sunrise, performing the morning rituals, and getting ready with tilak.
  2. Mantra Meditation One should chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā-mantra as many times as possible on this day.
  3. Fasting (upavāsa) has three different standards: Complete, water only, fruit and milk.
  4. Charana Chinha Decorate your house by marking Lord Krishna lotus footprints from the entrance of your home to the Puja Room, symbolizing the arrival of the lovely Lord Krishna into your home.
  5. Bhoga or Naivedya preparation: First-class rice, dāl, fruit, sweet rice, vegetables, or dry items like sweets and savouries.
  6. Worship of the Lord this process includes a bathing ceremony to Krishna idol, Abhishekam with honey, milk, curd, jaggery, ghee and fruits, and decorating the idol with flowers, clothes, and jewellery and offering Naivedya, followed by performing Ārati.

Janmashtami wishes and quotes to share with your friends and family:

  1. May Lord Krishna come to your house this Janmashtami and light the lamp of happiness! Happy Janmashtami!
  2. May Lord Krishna come to your house & take away all your maakhan and mishri along with all your worries & sorrow.
  3. Today is the day of love and happiness, the day of Lord Krishna’s birth. So let’s all celebrate the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami and seek his blessings. Happy Janmashtami!
  4. May Murli Manohar continues to bestow health and prosperity on your family, and may you find peace in Lord Krishna. Happy Janmashtami!
  5. The day of love and fortune has come. Let’s celebrate the great day of the Janmashtami festival and worship Lord Krishna of Gokuldham! Shubh Krishna Ashtami!
  6. “It is better to live your destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection.” Happy Janmashtami!

Happy Janmashtami to all the readers!