We will discuss the Janmashtami here because some people are interested in Lord Krishna and his rituals. Continue reading to learn more. India venerates Lord Krishna who is believed to be Lord Vishnu’s eighth incarnation. Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most popular Hindu festivals in India and around the world. It is a day that commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. The festival has many names, including Krishna Janmashtami and Krishnashtami. It is believed that Lord Vishnu is his eighth avatar. He is revered throughout India.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami 2023 South Africa
In Hindu epics, Krishna is called the god of compassion, love and kindness. He was born in a prison near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh at midnight, to Queen Devaki (now known as Vasudeva) and King Vasudeva. He is also known for his ability to perform miracles and play naughty tricks. The 6th and 7th of September will be the dates for Janmashtami this year. Legend has it that Kansa (Queen Devaki’s younger brother) heard a prophecy that her eighth child would bring about his death. Kansa, Queen Devaki’s brother, heard a premonition that her eighth son would be the cause of his demise.
Kansa tried to kill Krishna but was stopped by the safe exit of Krishna from the dungeon. Krishna was given to King Vasudeva’s friends Yashoda & Nanda after they crossed the Yamuna River with Krishna in a basket over their heads. Vasudev brought their daughter, who was also born that day, back to Vrindavan in the hope that King Kansa would not hurt her. The prophecy said that their eighth son would be responsible for Kansa’s death. He threw the child into a rock. She rose into the sky, taking on the appearance of the Goddess Durga and warned him he would die rather than be injured.
Krishna, as an adult, killed Kansa and freed the town of Kansa’s brutal rule. On the day of Krishna Janmashtami, we honour Lord Krishna’s love, warmth and beauty. On this day believers fast, wear traditional clothing, bathe the idols and decorate them with jewellery and new clothes. They also ask for blessings to benefit their families. Many also practice ceremonial fasts, and decorate their houses with flowers and rangoli. Others eat sattvic, light meals all day long, while others keep the ‘nirjala vrat’ until midnight. This is believed to be the time of Lord Krishna’s birth. Lord Krishna’s puja takes place in Nishita Kal since he was conceived at midnight. Devotees offer the idols makhana, milk and curd to commemorate Krishna’s midnight birth.
