Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Traditions for the Divine Celebration

Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, Krishnasthami, or Srijayanti, is celebrated on August 26 and 27 this year. According to Drik Panchang, this day commemorates 5251st birth anniversary of Shri Krishna. The largest celebrations occur in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka, where Krishna is believed to have been born and spent his early years. Krishna Janmashtami falls on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada month, eight days after Rakshabandhan. The festivities begin at midnight, believed to be the time of Krishna's birth. Many devotees stay awake during these two days, singing bhajans (devotional songs) and engaging in other forms of worship.

This occasion enhances the joy and helps spread the blessings of Shri Krishna, making the celebration even more meaningful and memorable.

What is Dahi Handi?

One of the most popular events during Janmashtami is Dahi Handi, which typically takes place on August 27 if Janmashtami is celebrated on August 26. This event is a reenactment of Krishna's playful attempts to steal 'maakhan' (butte) and curd. As a child, Krishna was known for his mischievous nature and love for butter, curd, and milk. Stories from his early life describe how he and his friends would sneak into villagers’ houses to steal these items. To keep the pots out of Krishna's reach, the villagers would hang them from the ceiling. Krishna, however, always found a way to get to them.

In memory of Krishna, during Dahi Handi, people form human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd. An earthen pot, or 'handi,' is hung from a rope or pole, and teams of young people, known as Govindas, climb on each other’s shoulders to form a pyramid and reach the pot. Once the handi is broken, the Govindas are covered in curd, and the winning teams are awarded prizes.

Things to do on Janmashtami

Fasting: Fasting is a significant aspect of Janmashtami. Devotees typically avoid eating grains and cereals throughout the day, consuming only milk, water, and fruits. Some observe a stricter fast, known as "Nirjala," during which they refrain from eating or drinking anything. The fast is broken at midnight, after the rituals. Fasting is seen as a form of purification, creating space for Krishna’s divine presence.

Praying and chanting Bhajans: Participating in collective chanting of devotional songs like the ‘Hare Krishna’ mantra fosters community and devotion.

Decorating the Home and Temple: Enhance your home and temple space with colourful decorations, including flower garlands, rangoli (traditional floor art), and festive lights. Adorn the altar with images or idols of Lord Krishna and dress them in beautiful clothes and jewellery, creating a vibrant and sacred atmosphere that reflects the joyous spirit of the festival.

Listening to Krishna’s Stories: Engage in storytelling or read about the life and exploits of Lord Krishna. Recounting tales of Krishna’s miracles and leelas helps deepen your understanding and devotion.

Participating in Community Events: Join local community events or temple activities related to Janmashtami. Many communities organise special programs, including plays, dance performances, and educational talks that celebrate Krishna’s life and teachings. These events offer a chance to connect with others and celebrate together.

Things to buy on Janmashtami

Peacock Feathers: These feathers capture Krishna’s enchanting beauty and grace, adding a touch of elegance and sacredness to your home. They embody the divine charm associated with Krishna and enhance the festive atmosphere.

Bansuri: The bansuri, or flute, is an essential symbol of Lord Krishna, who is often depicted playing this instrument. It connects you with Krishna’s musical and playful essence, creating a serene and devotional ambiance.

Idols: Idols of Lord Krishna enhance the beauty of your celebration space and help in creating a visually appealing and spiritually uplifting environment.

Payal: The ‘payal’ (anklet) is deeply significant during Janmashtami, symbolising Lord Krishna’s playful nature and divine charm. Krishna is often depicted wearing anklets, and the soft tinkling sound mirrors his joyous spirit. Wearing or gifting payals reflects devotion and admiration for Krishna’s grace, while also enhancing the festive atmosphere with its melodious sound, linking to cultural traditions and adding to the celebration's vibrancy.

Special activities of the festival

Panch Amrit Abhishek: On Janmashtami, August 26, devotees who have a deity of Ladoo Gopal at home place the idol inside a hollowed cucumber, symbolising the baby Krishna in the womb. At midnight, as the clock strikes twelve, Krishna is taken out of the cucumber and anointed with Panch Amrit—a sacred mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar or mishri. This ritual symbolises the divine birth of Krishna and the cucumber is then distributed as prasad.

Panjiri: Following the ritual of Krishna's birth, dhaniya panjiri is prepared and offered to Yashoda Maa as prasad. This special dish, which includes dry fruits like cashews and almonds along with coriander (dhaniya) for flavour, is made to honour the mother of Krishna and is consumed as a sacred offering after the bhog (food offering).

Nand Utsav: On August 27, the day after Janmashtami, the Nand Utsav is celebrated with great enthusiasm. This occasion marks the celebration of Krishna’s birth anniversary with a grand feast called Chappan Bhog. The feast is a sacred platter of sattvic foods, designed to include all five tastes—sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and bitter—as well as umami, including, milk products, sweets, nuts, spices, savoury items, fruits, vegetables, breads, snacks, and drinks, ensuring a comprehensive and divine dining experience.

Krishna Janmashtami is a vibrant and spiritually enriching festival that brings together devotion, celebration, and community. By engaging in these traditions, rituals, and festive activities, devotees honour Krishna’s divine presence, celebrate his playful nature, and create lasting memories.