Janmashtami Celebration: The Festivity to Feel the Ultimate Oneness with the Lord
Janmashtami celebration is made in India to commemorate the appearance of Krishna on this mundane world. It is Lord Krishna who is described in India’s sacred scriptures as God Himself. One of the biggest religious festivals round the globe, the Janmashtami is celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and randeur.
But why Janmashtami is celebrated? Is there any special about Krishna? Yes of course He is something special. It’s His personal presence that is absolutely unique in one word. He is absolutely highly personal with every devotee who loves Him, adores Him. He is the most mischievous son of Jashoda, the most romantic lover of Radharani, the most compassionate friend of poor Sudama. Hence on the very Janmashtami day, devotees celebrate Krishna for all such aspects. Lord Krishna is not meant for Jashoda Maiya and Gokul or Vrindavan alone. He responds to the distinct prayer of every individual who prays to Him and wants to make friendship with Him. He is so to say held most deeply in the hearts of His worshippers.
So we should keep it in mind that whatever way we worship Krishna on the very Janmashtami day, He will reciprocate with us accordingly. It’s nothing but a meditation that makes for an extremely rewarding devotional experience for us all.
How is Janmashtami Celebrated?
Where there is Krishna temple, festivities begin before dawn and continue all day until midnight, the exact moment of Krishna’s appearance on this mundane world. Events like kirtan, singing the Lord’s name by devotees and japa (counting Krishna mantra in mind) go on. Some devotees cook dishes for the destitute and go on feeding them while others go on performing dramas and dance items.
Some decorate themselves like the Lord and Radha and go on acting on different temples and gardens. Some decorate the idols of Lord Krishna and string big flower garlands for the Holy Duo. Decorations for the temple are done on a massive scale. Incense sticks are burnt, holy scriptures are read and many keep fast all day long. The deities are bathed with a variety of auspicious aromatic liquids in a kind of special ablution ceremony named as Abhisheka. Taking over hours, this ceremony better known as Shringar is performed with great enthusiasm and devotion.
At midnight, priests reveal the beautifully dressed deity of Krishna on a creatively colored altar. The excitement goes on mounting and a rousing kirtan ensues too.
Celebrate Janmashtami at Home
Don’t lose heart. You may go for Janmashtami celebration at home too after your own specific style. It is your sincere devotion that pleases the Lord all the while and this can be offered at the cozy corner of your home. So to help you feel extremely connected to the Lord you can invite all your friends to participate in the festivities held on hat holy day.
Decorate your home for Krishna. Make garlands with colorful flowers especially the yellow ones, hand festoons of mango leaves, and make the house extremely beautiful so that the Lord is pleased to set foot on your arena.
Sing bhajanas and enjoy kirtan with your guests and family members. It is known to all that Krishna is also known as Murlidhara, or one who plays on the flute. From this name of the Lord it is easily assumed that the Lord loves music. So with your friends and the members of your family go on singing His holy name. Alternatively, arrange some special dishes after His likings and go on heightening the spiritual atmosphere of the Janmashtami Celebration.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy among Hindu devotees and followers. It is celebrated on the eighth day of Krishna fortnight hence called as Janmashtami. Like any other Hindu festival, Krishna Janmashtami celebration with sweets, Makhkhan (butter), chappan bhog and other mishthanam.
Temples are the center of attraction on the day of Janmashtami. They are decorated with lights and painted with devotion and sacredness for Lord Krishna.
Before we know about the right way of performing Krishna Puja, lets know more about Krishna Janmashtami.
Birth of Lord Krishna marks the end of death chakra or death cycle. Birth of Lord Krishna marks the beginning of happiness, bliss, and love.
Janmashtami Celebration at Home
Know about right vidhi to celebrate Janmashtami at home:
- The Puja time begins from 11.50 pm and ends around 12.50 am. This is also called Nishita Puja time. Ones having fast can open their fasts after praying to Lord Krishna.
- Chanting Hare Krishna Hare Ram helps you to establish a connection with Lord Krishna. Get amalgamated with the thought of Lord Krishna. This is the right form of his Bhakti.
- Decorate your own temple. Its the festival of happiness and bliss. Radhe Krishna idolsshould be decorated with new clothes. Perform their Abhishek by bathing them with yogurt, honey, milk while singing Lord Krishna bhajans.
- Prepare Baal Bhog and other sweets for Lord Krishna. A small offering of sweets with love can bring enormous love and happiness from Lord Krishna.
- Perform Aarti at the time of birth of Lord Krishna. Play kirtans while chanting bhajans. This marks the birth of Lord Krishna
Any puja performed with love and happiness can let god shower his blessings on you. Team AskGanesha wishes you a very Happy Janmashtami.
Jai Shree Krishna!
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