Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapad month of Shraavana and this year, it falls on August 16. This holiday is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It celebrates Lord Krishna’s birth as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who delivered the critical message of the “Bhagwat Gita,” the guiding principles for all Hindus. Mathura, the residence of Lord Krishna, and Vrindavan, the city where he spent most of his childhood, in particular, celebrate the festival. Temples dedicated to Krishna hold rites and prayers all over India and other countries.
History of Janmashtami
Lord Krishna was born at Mathura on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month’s dark fortnight. He was the son of Devaki and Vasudeva. Mathura was ruled by Krishna’s uncle, King Kansa, who wished to kill his sister’s children since a prophecy said that the couple’s eighth son would bring Kansa’s demise. Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva after the prophecy and was responsible for the deaths of their first six children. During the birth of their seventh child, Balram, the embryo mystically moved from Devaki’s womb to Princess Rohini’s. The palace fell silent when their eighth child, Krishna, was born. Vasudeva rescued the child and took him to Nand Baba and Yashodha’s residency in Vrindavan.
Vasudeva returned to the palace with a baby girl and delivered her to Kansa after the transaction. When the evil monarch attempted to slay the baby, she transformed into Goddess Durga and warned him of his doom. Krishna grew up in Vrindavan in this manner, eventually killing his uncle Kansa. Outside of India, around 80% of Nepal’s population identifies as Hindus and celebrates Krishna Janmashtami. They fast till midnight on Janmashtami to commemorate the festival.
The Janmashtami festival is celebrated by Hindus worldwide, not just in India. In Nepal and Bangladesh, for example, Janmashtami is a national holiday. In addition, Lord Krishna has been worshipped in Mauritius since the 18th century by ‘Jahazi Bhais,’ a group of identifiers from many castes.
Janmashtami timeline
Krishna Janmashtami is born in 3228 B.C.
Krishna begins being worshipped in Mauritius by Jahazi bhais.
Janmashtami parade and temple rater procession begins in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh parade procession celebration of Janmashtami as a national holiday is discontinued.
Janmashtami FAQs
Is water allowed during the Janmashtami fast?
If you are fasting on Janmashtami, you must consume at least 169 to 202oz of water.
Can you cut trees on Janmashtami?
We don’t recommend doing that. It is considered unlucky to cut down trees on Janmashtami.
What is forbidden during Janmashtami?
Consumption of meat and other non-vegetarian foods is strictly forbidden when fasting during Janmashtami.
Janmashtami Activities
Travel to India
People perform folk dances and sing bhajans at temples in India. You can visit India and go to Krishna temples like the Dwarkadhish Temple or the Nathdwara.
Join in the fasting
You can join the Hindus in fasting, singing, and praying together on Janmashtami. Special food is cooked and enjoyed on this occasion.
Hang up yogurt pots
Imitate the Janmashtami tradition of hanging up pots of yogurt to honor the Krishna legend. Make ‘Govindas’ out of your friends and relatives and have them shatter the pots, spilling the joyous offering.
5 Interesting Facts About Krishna
ISKCON New York
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a well-known organization dedicated to Lord Krishna was created In New York City.
150 Indian temples
ISKCON is responsible for more than 150 temples throughout India.
Bangladesh national holiday
In Bangladesh, Janmashtami is a national holiday.
108 different names
Lord Krishna is known by 108 different names.
16,108 wives
According to legend, Lord Krishna had 16,108 wives.
Why We Love Janmashtami
It is a long-standing Indian tradition
According to Hindu legend, Janmashtami is the day when Krishna is said to have been born. For hundreds of years, the people of India have observed this ritual.
It brings communities together
During this period, communities come together to fast and pray at the temple. During Janmashtami day celebrations are held and activities for all ages are done.
It showcases Indian culture
Janmashtami celebration gives us insight into the culture of India. It helps us understand their beliefs and facets of their religion.
Janmashtami dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | August 19 | Friday |
| 2023 | September 6 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | August 26 | Monday |
| 2025 | August 16 | Saturday |
| 2026 | September 4 | Friday |
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