Now it is our humble effort to make our readers know of one of the greatest Indian auspicious festive occasion, Janmashtami. We all know that it is a Hindu festival that celebrates the glorious birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hindu religion. It falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada as per the Hindu almanac. The festival is observed with utmost enthusiasm and devotion by millions of Hindus at both home and abroad. They take part in numerous spiritual and religious rituals, Pujas, and cultural events. Janmashtami is such an occasion that reflects on Lord Krishna’s teachings and seeks His blessings. In this article we are intending to focus on Janmashtami 2023 and how it is observed.
Two Days in Janmashtami 2023
Shri Krishna Janmashtami never takes place on a fixed day. The holy occasion is observed on a different day each year. To observe Krishna Janmashtami there are two fixed days. The first one goes for the Smarta Sampradaya (clan), and the second is meant for the Vaishnava Sampradaya(clan). On September 6 and 7, people of India and abroad will celebrate Krishna Janmashtami 2023.
Significance of Janmashtami
• Janmashtami, known as Krishna Janmashtami too, is one of the most significant festivals among the Hindus. Devotees celebrate this occasion with great enthusiasm, mirth and devotion throughout India and beyond. Now we are trying to put before you some of the reasons why Janmashtami seems to be an important occasion:
• Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna, one of the most important characters both historically and spiritually in Hinduism. As per the Hindu scriptures, He took the form of a human being with a pledge to restore righteousness and spread the message of love, compassion and utmost devotion.
• Janmashtami falls on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, as per the Hindu calendar. The date is auspicious because it hints at the date when Lord Krishna came to earth in the form of a human child.
• Janmashtami is a time for devotees to express their love for Lord Krishna through Puja, prayer, chanting of hymns, mantras and devotional songs known as bhajans. People of all strata of life decorate their homes and temples with flowers, lights, and other decorative objects and take part in cultural events and performances.
• Lord Krishna’s life is packed with thrilling anecdotes and lessons that go on resonating with people down the ages. His teachings on karma (action), dharma (religion), and bhakti (devotion) are still relevant and inspire and guide millions of people worldwide.
• Janmashtami is a special occasion when people from different spheres of life throng together to find mirth in celebrating and offering prayers to Lord Krishna. It is a great reminder of the importance of unity, harmony, and peaceful coexistence in a special world divided every now and then by religion, culture, and numerous differences.
Celebrations of the Holy Occasion of Janmashtami 2023 in Mathura and Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan are the two places of India associated with the Leela (playful activities) of Lord Krishna. In one place Lord came off as the child of Basudev and Daivaki in the dark corner of the Jail and on the other hand He was nurtured by Nanda Baba and Jashoda Maia. Hence these two places Mathura and Vrindavan are significant centers for celebrating th holy occasion of Janmashtami. Here we are throwing light on some of the aspects of the Janmashtami 2023 celebrations in both the two holy places, Mathura and Vrindavan.
People living in both Mahura and Vrindavan decorate their homes and temples with lights, flowers, garlands, bouquets and other decorative elements during the holy occasion of Janmashtami. Moreover, devotees make the roads and streets vibrant with colorful processions and gala performances.
Mega operas and theatrical performances depict various aspects of Lord Krishna’s life, particularly his naughty childhood and loving youth. All these are major attractions during Janmashtami, and people from different corners of the globe come to Mathura and Vrindavan to witness these gala performances.
Pujas and aartis are essential parts of Janmashtami 2023 in both cities of Mathura and Vrindavan. Devotees offer prayers and perform special religious rituals to seek Lord Krishna’s grace and express whole heartedly their devotion.
Along with numerous colorful festivities, Dahi Handi is a very popular ritual. The playful ritual involves forming human pyramids to reach and break a pot that is filled with curd. It symbolizes Lord Krishna’s passion for butter and various sweets made from cow milk. It is a competitive sport, and teams from every corner of India participate in the event.
During Janmashtami 2023, people in Mathura and Vrindavan will participate in parikramas or circumambulations around various temples and holy sites associated with the life of Lord Krishna.
Jhulan Yatra is a ritual where a boy and a girl in the guise of Krisnha and Radha enjoy rides on a swing. Devotees swing them back and forth singing devotional songs along with the task. It is a beautiful and joyous celebration depicting Lord Krishna’s deep love and loyalty for Radha. Janmashtami 2023 is the ideal time to go for feasting and enjoying traditional delicacies like laddoo, peda, kheer, sweets and many more. But it is mandatory that all the food items must be purely vegetarian.
Krishna Mantras to Chant on Janmashtami
Here we are mentioning a few mantras related to Lord Krishna that if you can chant properly can bring you the blessings of Lord Krishna:
1. “Om Kleem Krishnaya Namaha”: This mantra can invoke the energy of Lord Krishna and helps to overcome all kinds of obstacles. Those who chant this mantra can gain success, and reach their goals.
2. The mantra that goes secondly is “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare”: This manta is regarded as one of the most popular Krishna mantras. It is told that it can invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna and Radha
3. Here a stand on number three is “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”: This mantra helps to purify the mind and soul. It has the power to connect the devotee with Lord Krishna’s divine energy.
4. On number four there stands “Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo”: This is not a mantra but a Krishna Bhajan. It is a devotional song that praises Lord Krishna’s various forms. Devotees sing it in a jubilant manner during Janmashtami celebrations too.
5. It is the “Krishna Gayatri Mantra”. This powerful mantra has the power to invoke Lord Krishna’s energy. It helps to attain knowledge, spiritual wisdom and growth. It helps to get His blessings and all round protection.
Variations of Janmashtami Celebrations
Generally from the months of August and September the birthday anniversary known as Janmashtami is celebrated. There are a lot of Krishna temples in India. Among them the most remarkable ones are Dwarakadhis Temple of Gujarat, Iskon Temples in Vrindavan, Bengaluru and Delhi. Besides, the tallest temple of the world has taken its place in Mathura. But it is Vrindavan, the holiest place in the world, where Lord Shri Krishna passed a large part of His childhood days. Here, all we know that Janmashtami is celebrated with enough mirth and enthusiasm. There are a lot of temples like Ragmganathji, Banke Bihariji, Radharamanji and many more where the festivity is remarkably noticed. Madhuban in Vrindavan is that place where the Lord performed Raas Leela. To observe the day all the places are highly decorated and are ready to welcome he devotees thronging from various corners of the globe.
Know what to Offer to Shri Krishna According to Zodiac
Aries
Aries natives should bathe Radhakrishna with water and offer them milk products with pomegranate.
Taurus
To fulfill all the wishes the natives should bathe Radhakrishna with honey mixed with curd milk sugar and water. They should offer Rasgulla as Bhog.
Gemini
Gemini people should bathe Radhakrishna with milk and offer the Duo dry fruits along with bananas.
Cancer
Cancerians should bathe the Lord and His consort with saffron and offer coconut and coconut sweets.
Leo
Ganges water mixed with honey should be used by Leo natives to bathe Radhakrishna. They should opt for jaggery to the Lord.
Virgo
Virgo ones should bathe Radhakrishna with ghee and milk. They must go for dry fruits milk Elaichi (cardamom) cloves along with tulsi leaves.
Libra
Librans should bathe Radhe Shyam with milk and sugar. They should offer bananas and sweets made of milk.
Scorpio
Bathing the Lord with milk honey curd sugar and water is awesome. It is the best option to offer jaggery and coconut.
Sagittarius
The natives should bathe Radhakrishna with milk and honey. Then they should offer bananas and guavas to the Lord.
Capricorn
People born under Capricorn zodiac should bathe Radhakrishna with Ganga water and offer sweet Paan (beetle leaves) to Lord Krishna.
Aquarius
Aquarians must offer a bath to Radhakrishna with honey, curd milk, sugar and water. They should offer red sweets made of milk with cashew nuts.
Pisces
Pisceans should bathe Radhakrishna with honey milk ghee curd sugar and water. They should go for sweets made of milk and coconut.
We all hope that Lord Krishna will eradicate all problems from your life this Janmashtami 2023.
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