Janmashtami or Krishna Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami or Krishnashtami is a Hindu festival that is celebrated all over Odisha, as well as India. In the Hindu month of Bhadrapada Janmashtami is observed on the 8th day on the Ashtami Thithi of Krishna Pakha. Lord Krishna, another form of Lord Bishnu was born on this day of Shravan month. He was born in the Rohini Nakshatra Tithi of Ashtami.
Krishna was born at midnight. So, it is a two-day celebration. The first day is when Lord Krishna took birth in Mathura which is also known as Krishnashtami. And the next day When Krishna was brought to Gokul, the day is known as Nando Utsav.
The first day is also known as Smarta Sampradaya, according to which Krishnashtami is celebrated on the Saptami Tithi and the next day is called Vaishanava Sampradaya, according to which the day is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi.
Krishnashtami celebration can be seen in Puri Jagannath temple and Sakhigopal temple, ISKCON temple, Ananta Vasudeva temple and Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar, Khirachora Gopinath temple at Remuna and Neela Madhava temple at Kantilo.
Jhulan Utsav, Maha Abhishek of Krishna, and Rath Yatra are some major attractions of this celebration.
History of Janmashtami
According to the ancient times of Mahabharat, Bhagwad Purana, Krishna was another form of Lord Vishnu and was the 8th no son of Devki and Vasudeva. Kansa who was the ruler of Mathura and also his maternal uncle was scared that he would kill him. So, he put Devki and Vasudeva in jail and killed Devki’s other 6 children. His 7th brother Balarama was also born to Rohini, another wife of Vasudeva.
When Krishna was born at midnight, the guards fell asleep. So, to save his life Vasudeva crosses the Yamuna River and gives him to Nanda and Yasoda. So, the day of Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth date of Lord Krishna. People also keep fasting and offer various sweets to Krishna and also offer prayers to him.
Why Janmashtami is Celebrated
This is the day when Lord Krishna took birth in Mathura. He is the God of love and power, and he also kills the evil powers in the universe. To get his blessings and to show love and honor for Krishna people do celebrate this festival. Everyone celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm and devotion.
Who started Janmashtami
In the 15th or 16th century, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Sankaradeva started this festival in Odisha.
Highlights of Janmashtami
- Nagar Parikrama or procession in Odisha is another highlight of this festival. People dressed up as various characters like Krishna, Radha, Yashoda, Nanda, Cowboys, and cowgirls and performed devotional songs of Krishna.
- People perform Paran to break their fast after offering puja at midnight.
- Dahi Handi is another attraction of this festival. Where so many boys take part. They hung a clay pot or Handi at 20-30ft from the road. And make a human pyramid and smash the pot which is filled with curd, and butter.
- Janmashtami celebration at Jagannath temple is another highlight. The rituals start after 7 pm there. The celebration began with the Kalash Puja. Then a Chitrakar drew a painting of the birth of Krishna. And then the idol of Nabagarh is worshiped. Panti Prasad then offered to him. After that, Puja is offered to Lord Krishna inside the womb of Devki. And then Maha Abishek is performed. On this day, Deula Bhogs are offered to deities.
Janmashtami 2023
In 2023 Janmashtami falls on 6th September at 3:37 pm and will end on 7th September at 4:14 pm.
Janmashtami 2022
In 2022, Janmashtami was celebrated on 18th and 19th August. Ashtami tithi began at 9:21 p.m. and ended at 10:59 p.m.
Next Janmashtami
In 2024 Janmashtami will be celebrated on 26th August. Ashtami Tithi will start at 03:39 AM on August 26 and will end at 02:19 AM on August 27. Rohini Nakshatra will begin at 03:55 PM on August 26 and will end at 03:38 PM on August 27.
How to participate in Janmashtami
- On this day, People only took one meal. Also, some people keep fasting for the whole day and only consume fruits and water throughout the day.
- All the temples are decorated on this day with flowers, colors, and lights. Special rituals are celebrated on this day. People visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna.
- On this day, the idol of Krishna is bathed with fresh milk, honey, and butter. Which is also known as Maha Abhishek of Krishna. After purifying they dressed in new garments.
- The swing ceremony of Lord Krishna or the Jhulan Utsav is another major attraction of this puja. People decorate Jhula or swings with flowers and put the idol of baby Krishna on them. And it is believed to be lucky to swing the Jhula.
- And at midnight a special puja is offered to Lord Krishna, as it was his birth time. A special type of sweets like “Channa Poda”, “Malpua”, Kheer, Poha Khai, Butter, etc 56 types of prasad are offered to him.
- People also dance and sing various devotional songs like bhajan and kirtan. People also listen to the story of Krishna’s life in the temple. People also perform Dahi-Handi on this day.
How to Reach Puri
Janmashtami is a grand celebration in Puri, Jagannath temple, and Iskcon. Puri can be reached by air, road, and by train.
How to reach Puri by Air
At a distance of 53km Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport.
How to reach Puri by Train
Puri railway station is the nearest railway station to Puri. The station is well-connected to many cities in India.
How to reach Puri by Bus
Puri is well connected by buses. There are minibusses, inter-city buses, and also other buses from different cities are available.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Why there are two-day celebrations can be observed in Janmashtami?
Lord Krishna was born at midnight. Therefore, Janmashtami is a two-day celebration for his birthday.
For Janmashtami 2023, when should you fast?
Since Shri Krishna’s birth, people have observed the Janmashtami fast. This time, after 12:42 a.m., devotees can perform Janmashtami’s Paran. If Janmashtami is observed after sunrise on the next day, then fasting can be performed at 06:02 on September 7.
What is Janmashtami and why is it celebrated?
The fortunate day that Lord Krishna was born on this planet is known as Janmashtami. In August or September, India celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna with devotion. According to the Hindu calendar, this event is observed on Ashtami of Krishna Paksha, the eighth day of the dark fortnight.
How to break Janmashtami fast?
On Janmashtami, after worshipping Lord Krishna at midnight, devotees break their 24-hour fast with the Bhog that has been prepared for the deity.
What are the rules for Janmashtami?
On Janmashtami, only satvik bhojan should be consumed. As Garlic and onions are tamasic foods, they shouldn’t be used in food on this day. Alcohol and meat shouldn’t be together.