कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी Janmashtami

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The festival is celebrated on the eighth day ( Ashtami ) of the dark fortnight) of the Indian month between mid- August & mid-September

It is dedicated to… The birth of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in Shravana. No fixed date. The equivalent of Christmas and New Year’s combined. Signifies the birth of a deity as well as the dawn of a new era

More on Krishna Krishna is one of the more powerful incarnations of Vishnu (Indian name of Super Power God) He has a rich, human personality He has greatly influenced Indian philosophy, lifestyle and traditions He is a leader, hero, protector, philosopher, teacher and friend in one.

The Origins of Janmashtami

Krishna’s Story There was an evil and tyrannical king named Kansa. He hated everyone except his cousin ,Devaki. Before his cousin, Devaki, gets married to Vasudeva, Kansa is told that their eighth child will kill him. Kansa is scared and imprisons the newlyweds. He kills seven of their children, despite their pleas for mercy. When the eighth child (Krishna) is born, a miracle occurs, and a heavenly voice tells Vasudeva to run away, get exchange their boy with a friend’s child, and come back.

King Kansa’s Fall Vasudeva does this, and when Kamsa tries to kill the infant as usual, the baby transforms into a fierce sky goddess. The sky goddess says that Kansa will die at the hands of the child, Lord Krishna. Kansa is terrified and kills many more people in his anxiety, but he is eventually killed by Krishna when He grows up. Order is restored to the state. This history is recited and retold at every Janmashtami celebration.

How Janmashtami is Celebrated

Fasting, Prayer & Dance It is customary to fast for at least one day; the more pious you are, the longer the fast Lengthened puja to Krishna in which dairy-sweets are offered Massive religious atmosphere pervades every corner Continuous chanting of mantras

Special Activities & Dahi Handi “Dahi Handi” A pot of yogurt is placed high up, and a group of boys need to create a human pyramid to reach and break it Children make “painted footsteps” to signify Lord Krishna’s presence in the household Red and yellow are worn to symbolise youth, wit, and the significance of birth.

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