Krishna Janmashtami
This two-day Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth incarnation (or avatar) of the Hindu god Vishnu.
This two-day Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth incarnation (or avatar) of the Hindu god Vishnu.
Renee Harleston
Reviewer URLNames: Krishna Janmashtami, Janmashtami, Krishnashtami, Krishna Jayanti, Gokulashtami
Pronunciation: KRISH-nuh jan-maash-tuh-SAY-mee
This two-day Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth incarnation (or avatar) of the Hindu god Vishnu.
Origin
In Hindu mythology, it was prophesied that Krishna would destroy his demon king uncle, Kansa. As a result, Kansa resolved to kill all of his sister’s children. Baby Krishna was kept protected by his family, and ultimately fulfilled the prophecy.
When it is celebrated
Janmashtami begins on the eighth day of the waning phase of the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu lunar calendar. It typically falls in August or September and lasts two days.
Traditions
On the first day, celebrants typically fast until midnight, which is believed to be the hour Krishna was born. At that time, devotees typically bathe a small idol of baby Krishna and put it in a cradle. The next day may consist of reenactments of his birth, visits to temples and shrines that have been decorated for the occasion, and singing and dancing.