India’s Vedic culture once again demonstrated its richness, diversity, spirituality, religious fervor and dynamism during the August 28 celebration of Lord Krishna’s earthly manifestation. Of the millions of people affiliated with Hinduism, the Vaishnavites celebrate Krishna Janmashtami Festival more than the Shaivites. There are four denominations or sects of Hinduism – Shaivism, Shaktism, Smartism, and Vaishnavism. This festival is celebrated by more than 900 million people every year. The Janmashtami festival is like Christmas and New Year celebrated together.
“Nishkama karma”
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee sent out a hearty greeting to his countrymen on the sacred and auspicious festival day. Pres. Mukherjee reminded the citizens of India to “follow the path of virtue and righteousness in thought, word and deed.” He called upon them to recall Krishna’s teachings and continue to be inspired by them as they all work together with dedication for progress, peace and prosperity. Pres. Mukherjee stressed Lord Krisha’s message of “duty without thought of reward” or “Nishkama karma.”
The birth of Lord Krishna
The festival honoring Lord Krishna’s earthly appearance is called Janmashtami from “janma” which means “birth.” The festival is also called “Gokulashtami” referring to Krishna’s place of birth, Gokul or modern-day Mathura. Krishna was born on the day known in the Indian calendar as Ashtami, or the eighth day of the increasing lunar phase. He is the eight incarnation of the Indian deity Vishnu, known also as “Hari,” “Narayana” or “Supreme Being.”
A splendid Hindu festival
Festival venues were decorated with aplomb. Temples and shrines were especially exquisite for the pilgrims. In some areas, exhibits and stalls showcased artwork and sacred literature. Kitchens were busy providing sacred vegetarian food to festival participants. For most, Janmashtmai is also a day of fasting and they refrain from eating grains. The fast ends at sunrise the next day.
Celebrations were held all throughout India and in many parts of the world as well with musical and cultural dance performances. Adults and children performed presentations that they have been practicing religiously for months.
Krishna’s life portrayed
Dramatic plays are important components of the celebration, particularly The “Ras Lila” and “Dahi Handi of “Mosaru Kudike.” The play, “Ras Lila” is based on scriptures and portrays Lord Krishna’s life story. This dramatic presentation is performed throughout India, but it is given extra special attention in Mathura and Vrindavan. Mathura (Gokul) is known to the Hindu as Lord Krishna’s place of birth. On the other hand, “Dahi Handi” is more comical than dramatic since it depicts the playfulness of Lord Krishna’s character.
At Krishna’s birthplace
In Mathura, devotees amply demonstrated their fidelity to Krishna by visiting temples in the city. The most number of people visited the Dwarkadheesh temple and Kesava Deo temple in Mathura. They also flocked to Goverdhan and Vrindaban. At Radha Raman temple in Vrindavan, Lord Krishna’s deity was honored with a bathing ceremony utilizing honey, curd, ghee (clarified liquid butter), and milk. Religious leaders and saints were in attendance.
A fresh start
Krishna Janmashtami is one of the biggest festivals with a religious theme in the word today. Aside from honoring Lord Krishna, the Hindus mark the occasion as a time for renewal and a new beginning.
Photo Credit: Lord Krishna’s birth
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