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, Different names, messages and book, movie based on lord Krishna
Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, is one of the most significant and revered festivals in Hinduism.
It celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have incarnated to protect dharma (righteousness) and rid the world of evil. This festival is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion by millions of Hindus across India and around the world.
History and Origins
Janmashtami has its roots in the ancient scriptures of Hinduism, particularly in the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana. Lord Krishna’s birth is considered a divine event that took place over 5,000 years ago in Mathura. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as Lord Krishna’s life was dedicated to upholding righteousness and defeating malevolent forces.
Date of Celebration
Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shravana, which typically falls in August or September of the Gregorian calendar.
The date varies each year, aligning with the Hindu lunar calendar.
2023: 7th September
2024: 26th August
2025: 15th August
National Holiday
Janmashtami is a national holiday in India. It is celebrated with great fervor across the country, and schools, businesses, and government offices remain closed.
Regional Names
Janmashtami is known by various regional names in different parts of India, such as Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, and Saatam Aatham. Each region adds its unique cultural flavor to the celebrations.
Celebrations
The preparations for Janmashtami begin weeks in advance. Devotees decorate their homes and temples with flowers, colorful rangolis (artistic designs made with colored powder), and images or idols of baby Krishna. Traditional sweets, like maakhan (butter), mishri (rock sugar), and panjiri (a sweet mixture), are prepared and offered to the deity.
On the day of Janmashtami, devotees fast until midnight when it is believed Lord Krishna was born. Temples come alive with bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (hymns) praising Krishna. The idol of baby Krishna is bathed and dressed in new clothes, and at the stroke of midnight, it is placed in a cradle and rocked to commemorate his birth.
Greeting Messages
- “May the divine blessings of Lord Krishna fill your life with joy, love, and prosperity. Happy Janmashtami!”
- “Wishing you a blessed Janmashtami filled with devotion, peace, and happiness. Jai Shri Krishna!”
- “On this auspicious day, may Lord Krishna steal all your worries and fill your life with love and laughter. Happy Janmashtami!”
Bollywood Movies on Janmashtami
- “Krishna” (1996)
- “Krishna Cottage” (2004)
- “Oh My God!” (2012)
Bollywood Songs on Janmashtami
- “Govinda Aala Re” from the movie “Bluff Master” (1963)
- “Yashomati Maiya Se Bole Nandlala” from the movie “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” (1978)
- “Maiya Yashoda” from the movie “Hum Saath-Saath Hain” (1999)
Poems on Janmashtami
- “Krishna, the Divine Flute Player”
- “The Magical Leelas of Little Krishna”
- “Krishna’s Grace: A Poem of Devotion”
Books on Janmashtami
- “Krishna: The Man and His Philosophy” by Osho
- “The Complete Life of Krishna: Based on the Earliest Oral Traditions and the Sacred Scriptures” by Vanamali
- “Krishna: Defender of Dharma” by Aditi Banerjee
Janmashtami is a time of reflection, devotion, and celebration, where devotees come together to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna and seek his blessings for a life filled with love and righteousness.