Jyoti Tewari, Canada , 10 Aug : Sri Krishna Janamastami is the celebration of advent of Lord Sri Krishna. It is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana (August-September). Lord Sri Krishna was born on this day when the ‘Rohini’ nakshatram (star) is seen in the sky. It is one of the major festivals in India and also celebrated across the world.
The Legend:
Sri Krishna Janamastami is celebrated as a mark of advent of Sri Krishna who is accepted as Bhagavan or the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Hindu society. He appeared on a dark, stormy midnight in a place called Mathura in North India. He is an historic person who appeared about 5,000 years ago to end the rule and atrocities of his maternal uncle Kamsa. He stayed on this earth for about 125 years and his activities were unequalled.
The Story:
Sri Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudev who were imprisoned by a terrible king of that time Kamsa, who was brother of Devaki. He was transferred to Gokul, a village next to Mathura, by His father in fear of Kamsa who made his mind to kill Krishna. There Krishna had His childhood pastimes (Balalila) with Yasoda and Nanda Maharaj who were His foster parents. He killed several demons like Putana, Trnavarta, Vatsasura and Bakasura. He also played with residents of Gokul by stealing their butter and hence Krishna is also known as Makhana Chor (the Butter Thief). When Krishna grew up He returned to Mathura and killed his maternal uncle Kamsa and released His parents.
Celebrations:
Sri Krishnashtami is celebrated with lot of pomp and show. During the midnight celebration, Lord’s Deity is bathed with Panchamrit and then the cradle is rocked.
Vedic hymns and songs are sung. The people dance in the praise of their favourite Makhan Chor by offering butter and milk sweets. Aarthi is performed by blowing conch and ringing of bells. They offer prayers to the Lord with great enthusiasm with philosophy that Krishna should also appear in their hearts and reciprocate lovingly the way He did with Yasoda and Gopis. Prasadam, the offered food, is distributed after the birth ceremony.
Janmashtami creates an environment of joy and happiness. The devotees are lost in the joy of divine songs and dances performed in praise of Lord. Fun activities like Dahi Handi, Rasalila and Jhankis are celebrated in a pompous way. The devotees enact drama illustrating the incidents of Sri Krishna’s life and the performance virtually transforms the environment into the time and age of Lord Krishna.