The birth of Krishna is an occasion filled with divine joy for his devotees. From north to south, this day is celebrated with much fervor and festivities. The most charming, Baal-Krishna (childhood form of the god) is the center of these celebrations, whose presence fills each moment with innocence, amusement, and devotion, making Janmashtami a festival like no other.
The occasion is observed all over India in different ways, but certain pilgrimage centers and temples dedicated to Krishna celebrate it in their own unique way. Innumerable devotees from all over the globe visit these temple towns during Janmashtami, making these cities come alive with devotion.
👉 Mathura and Vrindavan : As the birthplaces of Lord Krishna, these holy cities witness the most extravagant celebrations. Devotees throng to temples, participate in elaborate processions, and engage in devotional singing and dancing. The entire atmosphere is imbued with a spiritual aura. People wait in long queues to get a glimpse of the loved Banke-Bihari ji, who is adorned in the most beautiful costumes, Mukuta, and garlands.
Sweets and Makhan (butter) are distributed among crowds, who stay awake till late in the night, singing the songs of devotion written by legendary Krishna devotees such as Surdas and Meerabai. Temples such as the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Dwarkadheesh Temple, and Jugal Kishor Temple as well as the Yamuna Ghat of Mathura are filled with gatherings of Krishna-Bhakta, welcoming their cherished Kanha home.
👉 Gujarat : Gujarat is blessed with another important pilgrimage spot for the Krishna devotees, and the historic city of Dwarka, which was the capital city of Krishna, who ruled it as “Dwarkadheesha” (Lord of Dwarka). The city of Krishna is covered in lights and flowers on the occasion of his birth, with devotees coming from every direction of the world to reside in Dwarka and celebrate Krishna.
The shrine of Dwarka is decorated beautifully, with aarati and Bhajans being sung and special offerings done by the temple priests. Another regional festival celebrated a day before Janmashtami is “Saatam-Aatham” or Basoda (derived from Baasi or stale) where goddess Shitla (deity of cleanliness, health, and hygiene) is worshipped for the health of children, the prosperity of family, and protection against disease which the months of monsoon bring.
👉 Rajasthan : Among the numerous beloved forms in which the fluting god is worshipped in India, is his roopa of “Srinathji” at the Haveli of Nathdwara in Rajasthan. Revered as a young boy, Srinathji is the representation of the divine Lord lifting the Govardhan mountain on his finger, to protect the people of Brija. The Haveli (royal abode) of Krishna at Nathdwara is the center of worship for the Pushtimaargi sect of Vaishnavism, who are based on the philosophy of Bhakti through Pushti or grace of the Lord.
On every Janmashtami, Srinathji is worshipped with a gala- an exquisite swing or Jhula is prepared, Krishna is bathed and dressed in the most beautiful fineries, the temple is decorated all over, Mahabhoga (the great food offering) is prepared and distributed among the temple priests and closest servants of the Lord. The celebrations at Nathdwara are one of a kind, and many devotees visit the town during Janmashtami to perform worship and get Darshana of the Lord of Nathdwara.
👉 Maharashtra : Janmashtami is celebrated with great pomp and fervor in Maharashtra. People observe fasts, decorate their homes with rangolis, and organize pujas and aartis. The Dahi Handi competition, where young boys form human pyramids to break pots filled with curd, is a thrilling event.
Localities collect funds to decorate festival grounds and get the Dahi Handi, teams are made and the Handi is broken to obtain the Dahi- to recreate the joy and love of Krishna’s butter-stealing Lilas of childhood. Janmashtami in Maharashtra is thus centered around the spirit of togetherness, something that Krishna’s exemplary life taught us, among many things.
👉 South India: Known as Krishnashtami or Krishna-Janmashtami, the festival of Krishna’s birth in Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana) is a time of pure devotion (Bhakti). Temples of Krishna are visited by his devotees who bring various offerings, people worship Krishna at home and the songs and poems of Tamil Bhakti saints are sung with great reverence in the temples.
At the heart of Janmashtami celebrations is the worship of Laddu Gopal, the infant form of Lord Krishna. Krishna in this icon is seen as a little child, crawling on the ground, with one hand raised to hold the Laddu or sweet. Sometimes, he is also called “Maakhan-Chor” or butter thief in such idols.
This adorable representation of the divine is believed to be a symbol of innocence and divine love. Devotees shower their affection on Laddoo Gopal, dressing him in colorful clothes, adorning him with jewelry, and offering him delicious treats. Homes of Krishna devotees usually have the image of Laddu Gopal, who is considered a living member of the family.
Several rituals are performed to honor Lord Krishna on Janmashtami. These rituals are believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and happiness.
☸ Bathing Laddu Gopal : This is considered a sacred act, symbolizing the purification of the divine child. Milk, water, and honey are used to bathe the idol, followed by gentle wiping with a clean cloth.
☸ Offering Clothes and Jewelry : New clothes and ornaments are offered to Laddu Gopal as a mark of respect and devotion. It is believed that dressing the deity in fine attire brings good fortune and prosperity.
☸ Offering Murli : The flute, or Murli, is an inseparable companion of Krishna. People often give gold, silver, or other kind of Murli to Ladoo Gopal on the occasion of Janmashtami to seek his special blessings.
☸ Offering Mor-Pankha : The peacock feather fan, or Mor-Pankha, is another significant offering. It is believed to symbolize beauty, grace, and royalty.
☸ Offering Prasad : A variety of sweet delicacies, such as kheer, laddoos, and peda, are prepared as prasad and offered to Lord Krishna. The prasad is then distributed among family and friends as a token of blessings.
☸ Offering Maakhan and Kheer : These two items are particularly associated with Krishna's childhood. Maakhan (butter) represents his playful nature, while kheer symbolizes abundance and nourishment.
☸ Offering a Jhula or Swing : Creating a beautiful swing for Laddoo Gopal is a popular custom. It is believed that swinging the deity brings marital bliss, parenthood, and prosperity for couples.
The festival of Janmashtami is one of the most popularly celebrated occasions in India. The joy and devotion that this day brings people across the nation, underline the love they have for the child-god Krishna, who on this occasion becomes a part of their festivities. Different regions of the country have their own centers of pilgrimage and ways of revering Kanha.
The only thing that binds them together is the Bhakti and Prema- devotion and love, that is eternal and unbounded. Do you want to welcome the divine Laddu Gopal home this Janmashtami? Or are you looking for epic stories of Krishna from Hindu Puranas, Gita, and literature? Visit Exotic India Art, where a collection of beautiful Krishna statues and a treasure of Hindu books on Krishna are available, to make this Janmashtami an auspicious one for you!
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