Introduction
Many religious festivals are celebrated with great devotion and gaiety in India, but the festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami is very special. This day is known as the birth of Lord Shri Krishna, and it is a very sacred and important festival of Hinduism. On this day, religious activities like fasting, kirtan, tableau, and matki breaking (dahi handi) are organised.
Why is Janmashtami celebrated?
The festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Lord Shri Krishna. According to mythology, when a demon named Kansa became a symbol of tyranny and unrighteousness, Lord Vishnu incarnated on earth in the form of Shri Krishna. He was born in the prison of Mathura city. From childhood, he started the work of destruction of unrighteousness and establishment of religion.
The purpose of celebrating this day is not only to celebrate the birth of Shri Krishna, but also to remember that whenever unrighteousness increases on earth, God incarnates in some form or the other.
When is Krishna Janmashtami 2025?
Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on 16 August 2025, Saturday in 2025.
Every year, this festival is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of Bhadrapada month, especially when Ashtami and Rohini Nakshatra combine. This date is considered suitable for special worship and events at night, according to the birth of Lord Shri Krishna.
How is Janmashtami Celebrated?
In many countries of the world, including India, Janmashtami is celebrated with great reverence and devotion. Its various events are as follows:
1. Fasting and worship
Devotees observe a fast on this day. They eat fruits throughout the day and eat only at the time of Shri Krishna’s birth at night. Special worship and Aarti of Shri Krishna are performed in temples.
2. Organising tableaux
Tableaux are decorated based on various events of Shri Krishna’s life – Bal Krishna, Makhanch Govardhan Leela, Raasleela, etc. Children participate in the costumes of Shri Krishna and Radha.
3. Dahi Handi Festival (Krishna Janmashtami Dahi Handi)
This special event is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Maharashtra and Gujarat. In this, a group of young men (Govinda Pathak) try to break a pot of curd hanging at a high place. It gives a glimpse of the childhood antics of Lord Krishna when he used to steal butter along with his friends.
4. Kirtan and Bhajan
Bhajans and kirtans are performed in temples and homes throughout the night. The atmosphere becomes devotional with slogans like “Kanhaiya Lal Ki Jai”, “Jai Sri Krishna”, “Govinda Aala Re”.
5. Sweet Prasad
Makhan-mishri, fruits, panjiri, panchamri, etc., are distributed as prasad. The infant form of Lord Krishna is rocked in a cradle.
Spiritual significance of Janmashtami
Janmashtami is not only a religious festival, but it is also a symbol of self-knowledge and awareness towards moral values. Lord Krishna explained various aspects of life through his teachings, especially the knowledge given in the Bhagavad Gita makes humans realise the importance of religion, karma, devotion and knowledge.
Krishna Leela: A priceless treasure of folk culture
On the occasion of Janmashtami, Krishna Leela is staged at many places. In this, events from Shri Krishna’s childhood leelas to Kansa Vadh, Raasleela and Mahabharata are presented in the form of drama. This program especially serves to provide religious and cultural knowledge to children and youth.
The thrill of Dahi Handi (Krishna Janmashtami Dahi Handi)
Dahi Handi is celebrated as a festival in the western parts of India, especially in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, etc. The Govinda Pathak group forms a human pyramid and breaks the pot hanging at a height. The enthusiasm and collective spirit of the youth are worth seeing in this event. At many places, there is also a provision for prizes, which increases competition and enthusiasm.
Thoughts and Teachings of Shri Krishna
Lord Shri Krishna was not just a religious guru; he was also a great politician, diplomat, warrior, and a great guide. His teachings are very relevant even in today’s era:
- Do your work, do not worry about the result
- Stay steadfast on the path of Dharma
- Fight for truth and justice
These teachings increase positivity and self-confidence in life.
Recognition of Janmashtami in the world
Apart from India, the festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami is also celebrated with great pomp by the people of the expatriate Indian community settled in countries like Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad, America, England, Australia, etc. This festival is celebrated globally through the ISKCON institution (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).
Janmashtami in schools and colleges
The festival of Janmashtami is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in various schools and colleges of India. Tableaus of Shri Krishna and Radha, dance, poetry recitation, bhajans, etc., are presented by the children. This gives information about religious values to the students.
Conclusion
Shri Krishna Janmashtami is not just a festival; it gives the message of sanskar, devotion, power, and knowledge. This day teaches us that if the path of truth and religion is followed in life, then no matter how difficult it is, success is certain.
The ideal life and teachings of Lord Shri Krishna are relevant even in today’s era. We should celebrate Janmashtami in the true sense by imbibing his teachings in our lives.
FAQs: Janmashtami Essay
Q1: Why is Janmashtami celebrated?
A: This festival is celebrated in memory of the birth of Lord Krishna, who destroyed Adharma and established Dharma.
Q2: When is Krishna Janmashtami in 2025?
A: In 2025, Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on 16 August 2025.
Q3: What is Dahi Handi?
A: Dahi Handi is a traditional festival in which a group of young men break a pot hanging at a height by forming a human pyramid.
Q4: What fasts and pujas are performed on the day of Janmashtami?
A: Devotees observe fast, worship Shri Krishna at the time of birth at night, decorate tableaux and perform bhajans and kirtans.
Q5: What are the main teachings of Shri Krishna?
A: Shri Krishna’s teachings are based on Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, following Dharma, struggle for truth and self-knowledge.
If you want to fill this Janmashtami with spiritual energy, devotion, and joy, then imbibe the teachings of Shri Krishna and greet people around you on this auspicious occasion.
🌸 “Jai Shri Krishna” 🌸