In the whole country, while there is a continuous struggle from Coronavirus on one side, preparations for the holy occasion like Krishna Janamashtami are also happening on the other. It is the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
According to the Hindu Panchang, every year, the Ashtami date of Krishna Paksha of Bhado month and the festival of Janmashtami is celebrated in Rohini Nakshatra. This year, it is being celebrated on 11th and 12th of August.
Significance
Lord Krishna is considered the eighth incarnation out of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. He was born as one of the most impressive human incarnations around 5,200 years back in Mathura.
Born to Devaki and Vasudev, the sole goal of Krishna’s birth in the world was to liberate the Earth from the evil and re-establish ‘Dharma’. He played a significant role in Mahabharata and taught the hypothesis of devotion and good karma.
Therefore, the auspicious day of Krishna’s birth is observed as Janamashtami or Gokulashtami. From his childhood pastimes to Gita preachings, Krishna has been a role model for every generation. He is worshipped as a Lord, followed as a motivational figure, and celebrated as a pride.
Celebration
Krishna Janamashtami is celebrated in whole India and abroad at several households in various forms. People do many preparations for observing this day.
The Krishna devotees who observe a fast, have just a single feast a day prior Janmashtami. On that day, numerous worshippers make a ‘sankalpa’ or ‘vrat’ to observe fast on Janmashtami and to break it on the following day when the Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami tithi are finished. No grains are permitted during Janmashtami fast, which is a lot of like the Ekadashi fasting rules.
While worshipping Lord Krishna, variety of offerings are made. The offerings are made with milk and butter. The ‘chappan bhog’ thali that has 56 sweet and exquisite dishes, including kheer, panchamrit, panjiri and halwa are offered to Krishna.
Dahi Handi is commended the day after Krishna Janmashtami. It includes hanging an earthen pot loaded up with dahi (yogurt) or other milk-based delicacy, at a hard to reach height. Youngsters make a human pyramid and endeavor to reach or break the pot. As they do as such, young ladies encompass them, sing with music, and cheer them on. It is a noteworthy custom of Hindus, with media participation, cash prizes and business sponsorships. The occasion depends on the legend of Krishna stealing maakhan and other milk items as a kid.
Puja Muhurat or Timings
- The Ashtami Tithi begins at 9:06 AM on August 11 and ends at 11:16 AM on August 12.
- The Nishita Kaal Puja timing is between 12:05 AM to 12.48 AM on August 12.
- The Parana timing is after 11:16 AM on August 12.
How to celebrate amid COVID-19 crisis?
- As temples are to be remain closed, only the pujaris would perform the puja in temple with each and every ritual.
- Meanwhile, devotees of Lord Krishna will celebrate Janamashtami at homes with observing a fast.
- Offerings for Gopal such as butter, buttermilk or other sweet dishes will be made at homes.
- No Dahi Handi custom will be performed as social distancing is neccessary in this pandemic situation.
- The Pundits and Pujaris from temples will perform live online puja for devotees to connect while staying at home.
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