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Krishna Janmashtami have regional names in different states of India. 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.
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
Janmashtami, the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, is known by various regional names in different states of India. Here are some of the regional names for Janmashtami across India:
- Gokulashtami: This name is commonly used in North India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. It refers to the celebration of Lord Krishna’s childhood in Gokul.
- Krishna Jayanti: In states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Janmashtami is referred to as Krishna Jayanti. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional customs.
- Sri Krishna Janmashtami: This name is used in many parts of India, and it emphasizes the reverence and devotion associated with Lord Krishna’s birth.
- Saatham Aatham: In some regions of South India, particularly in Karnataka, Janmashtami is known as Saatham Aatham, signifying the eighth day of the lunar calendar.
- Ashtami Rohini: In Kerala, Janmashtami is also known as Ashtami Rohini. It celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna and is marked by various cultural and devotional activities.
- Krishna Ashtami: This name is used in various states and regions across India to denote the eighth day of the lunar calendar when Lord Krishna was born.
- Gopal Kala: In Maharashtra, Janmashtami is sometimes referred to as Gopal Kala. It involves various activities like Dahi Handi, where young boys form human pyramids to break a pot of curd tied at a height.
- Dahi Handi Utsav: In some parts of Maharashtra, Janmashtami is celebrated with a focus on the Dahi Handi event, where groups attempt to break a pot of curd tied at a significant height.
- Sri Krishna Jayanthi: In the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, Janmashtami is known as Sri Krishna Jayanthi and is celebrated with devotional fervor.
- Krishna Janma Ashtami: In Gujarat, this name is used to denote the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, and it is marked by various rituals and events.
On the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami: regional names in different states of India reflect the rich diversity of India and the varied cultural traditions associated with Janmashtami across different states.
While the names may differ, the essence of devotion and celebration of Lord Krishna remains central to the festival’s observance throughout the country.