Shree Krishna Janmashtami 2024 date and timing
According to Drik Panchang, the Ashtami tithi for Shree Krishna Janmashtami 2024 will begin at 03:39 AM on August 26 and end at 02:19 AM on August 27. Due to this timing, the festival will be observe on different days by different groups. Vaishnavas, including followers of ISKCON, will celebrate Krishna Janmashtami on August 27, while Smartas will observe it on August 26. This variation reflects the different traditions within Hinduism regarding the timing of religious observances.
Rohini Nakshatra, which is closely associate with Lord Krishna’s birth, begins at 03:55 PM on August 26 and ends at 03:38 PM on August 27. This timing is significant for the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami, as many devotees consider the presence of Rohini Nakshatra to be an auspicious period for observing the rituals and festivities associated with Krishna’s birth.
Story behind Shree Krishna Janmashtami celebratons
Shree Krishna Janmashtami is a significant Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu calendar.
Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison in Mathura, under the oppressive rule of the tyrant king Kansa. To protect him from Kansa’s tyranny, Krishna was taken to Gokul, where he was raised by Yashoda and Nandji. The primary purpose of Krishna’s birth was to end Kansa’s cruelty and restore dharma.
Krishna’s life is filled with divine exploits, including his role in the Mahabharata, where he served as a guide and charioteer to Arjuna. His teachings, compiled in the Bhagavad Gita, remain a cornerstone of Hindu philosophy, providing profound insights into the nature of life, duty, and righteousness.
On Krishna Janmashtami, devotees observe a day-long fast, which is break only after midnight, the believed time of Krishna’s birth. Homes and temples are adorn with decorations, and various rituals. Including singing devotional songs, reenactments of Krishna’s life, and Dahi Handi celebrations, are performed to honor his life and legacy.
How to celebrate Shree Krishna Janmashtami-
Fasting is the most widespread ritual observe during Janmashtami. Firstly devotees fast throughout the day, breaking it only after midnight, the believed time of Krishna’s birth. Many choose to consume only milk and milk products, which were Krishna’s favorites. Some devotees observe a ‘Nirjal’ fast, abstaining from even water. While others fast for two days in honor of the Lord.
Singing devotional songs, or bhajans, in praise of Lord Krishna is a central part of the midnight celebrations. These songs are often accompanied by traditional dances. Which depict various events from Krishna’s life, adding a vibrant and joyful energy to the festivities.
Given Krishna’s fondness for milk and milk-based sweets. Devotees prepare a variety of sweets like Kheer and Pedhas during the festival. These are offer to the Lord and later distributed among devotees as prasad.
Devotees engage in continuous chanting throughout the day, reciting mantras and shlokas to invoke Lord Krishna’s blessings. The atmosphere is fill with devotion. With many temples and homes resonating with the chanting of the 108 names of Lord Krishna, often accompanied by the showering of flowers on his idol.
At last, these rituals and customs, steeped in tradition and devotion, make Krishna Janmashtami a festival filled with spiritual fervor and joyous celebration.
Read more about festival update
Rakshabandhan, 15 August, NagPanchami, Sawaan
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