Janmashtami is celebrated in order to mark the auspicious occasion of the birth of Lord
Krishna and also celebrated as Mahotsav. The festival is celebrated worldwide which is
throughout the country and even outside. With each passing area, the celebration has
become grand depending on the followers. Lord Krishna is a very important god
according to the Hindu culture and many scriptures have been written by various
prominent authors in order to praise the lord. There are many people across the globe
who also observe a fast on the same day out if their respective devotion for Lord
Krishna.
The history behind the festival :
Lord Krishna is said to be born in the city of Mathura which is a well-known city in Uttar
Pradesh. The city is itself famous as Krishna Nagari full of temples which are dedicated
to Krishna.
According to the scriptures, it is mentioned that there was a demonic king called Kansa
who was very brutal after attaining blessings from Lord Shiva himself. He had decided
to get his favorite sister Devaki whom he loved wholeheartedly and genuinely. She
was supposed to marry the Yadu king Vasudev. Kansa was very happy after the
marriage was completed when she was about to leave for Dwarka along with her
newlywed husband there was a celestial announcement declaring that the 8 the child
born to the couple will be responsible for the death of Kansa. After listening to this he
got infuriated and decided to keep the couple arrested in his jails. Although the
prophecy had said it would be the 8 the child still scared for his life Kansa decides to kill
each child born to them.
Year after year the same was happening but the 7th kid was automatically transferred
from Devaki’s womb to the womb of Vasudev’s first wife. Then the 8th child was Lord
Krishna who was the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu was born.
But something magical happened all gods assisted Vasudev to give his son to Nand his
friend from Vrindavan. After that, he came back with Nanda’s daughter. Lord Krishna
had a very special life where he had helped different people yo walk on the path of
righteousness he also played a pivotal role in Mahabharat.
Celebration
Ever since then the day is celebrated with lots of happiness. There are different places
where the celebration varies greatly.
1) Mathura
As Mathura was birthplace a grand celebration is observed. The preparations are said
to have commenced many days before the actual day. Each and every resident is full of
excitement and spirituality for the occasion. The jail has been converted to a temple
itself. There is pooja done throughout the day and finally at 12 am of the night when he
was born then the last set of aarti happens.
2) Vrindavan and Gokul
After handing the lord to his friend Nanda had brought up Krishna as their own son. Due
to various hardships faced in the later life, Krishna had moved from Vrindavan to Gokul.
So there are many temples built in dedication to Krishna in these places as well. The
very famous Iskcon temple which is built in many different places throughout the country
is also situated in Vrindavan. There are huge bhog arranged for all the devotees who
visit the temple. A huge celebration also takes place where the scriptures and mantras
are chanted throughout the day. The celebration is open for all and anyone can be a
part of it.
Conclusion
In this way, we may say that Janmashtami is indeed a huge and well-celebrated festival
across the country to mark the occasion. So we can clearly make out the diversity of the
auspicious day and devotion of people towards their favorite Lord Krishna.
– Vaibhavi Mishra
