Janmashtami is one of the most significant festivals of Hindus that Krishna Bhaktas across the country celebrate with great enthusiasm and joy. It is believed that Lord Vishnu reincarnated in the form of Lord Krishna on this auspicious day. Therefore, devotees observe fast, sing devotional songs, and organise Dahi-handi celebrations and ceremonies in temples to celebrate the Birthday of Lord Krishna.
Thursday, 18th August 2022 - Ashtami Tithi Begins -09:20 PM
Friday, 19th August 2022 - Ashtami Tithi Ends - 10:59 PM
Saturday, 20th August 2022 - Rohini Nakshatra Begins - 01:53 AM
Sunday, 21st August 2022 - Rohini Nakshatra Ends - 04:40 AM
According to the Drik Panchang, Krishna Bhakts will be celebrating Janmashtami on the 18th and 19th of August, 2022. So, it will be celebrated on both days but according to astrologers, the fast will be observed on the 19th of August as the Ashtami Tithi will be Udaya Tithi on this day.
Though Janmashtami doesn’t have any fixed date as per the English calendar, it is usually celebrated on the 8th day of the Bhadrapada month.
According to the Hindu Scriptures, Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu who was believed to be born at midnight on the eighth day of the Hindu Lunar month in the Vrindavan-Mathura area. He was the eighth son of Vasudeva and Devki inside the Mathura prison as King Kansa, his uncle, had imprisoned his parents, Devaki and Vasudev. He killed King Kansa and many other demons in his childhood.
Not only this, he is known as a Makhan chor as he is famous for stealing Makhan during his childhood days. This inspires the current Dahi-Handi celebration among the devotees on this day.
This festival has great significance for devotees across the world, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan - the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Bhakts observe fast on this day from Sunrise till midnight as he was born at midnight. During this day, Lord Krishna is worshipped in the form of “Laddu Gopal Ji”.
Janmashtami is a perfect example of the victory of good over evil. Lord Vishnu reincarnated on earth in the form of Lord Krishna to kill the evil and save the earth. Every aspect of Krishna’s life spreads the message of Love and Harmony.
Devotees prepare 56 types of Bhog Prasad i.e., offerings for Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna comes at midnight and consumes the bhog (prasad).
Janmashtami, Krishnashtami, Ashtami Rohini, or Gokulashtami – Lord Krishna’s birth anniversary is celebrated in different parts of the country in its own ways. Take a look at these different Janmashtami celebrations in various states of India.
If you want to experience the immense Janmashtami celebration, get to Mathura - Krishna’s Janmabhoomi. Temples are decorated with flowers, the fragrance of roses everywhere, streets full of devotees, and special savouries at every corner. From his butter stealing act to Ras Leela with Gopis, you can enjoy many plays inspired by the life of Krishna.
Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh is another place after Mathura where Janmashtami is celebrated on a grand level. Krishna spent his childhood days here. Celebrations take place for ten days long when you can see Raas Leela, and Makhan stealing acts, and enjoy the sound of mridang, bhajans, and bells.
Dwarka is known as the Kingdom of Lord Krishna. Dwarkadhish temple is dedicated to him. On this day, the temple and Lord Dwarkadhish are adorned with gold, kirtan and bhajans are sung as well as Makhan-handi is celebrated.
In Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated with utmost joy and excitement. Huge pandals are organised for Dahi Handi contests and human pyramids are made that depict Krishna’s love for butter. Krishna songs are played that give the festive vibes
The Jagannath temple in Puri is a famous temple in Odisha of Lord Krishna. According to legends, it is the Jagannath temple in Puri where Krishna’s heart can be found. Temples are beautifully decorated and offerings are made for Lord Krishna.
From Raas Leela performances, bhajans, and temple decorations, Janmashtami celebrations in Manipur are outstanding. Mahabali Temple and Shri Govindajee Temple are popular here.
On this auspicious day, Krishna devotees observe fast and perform kirtans to celebrate Krishna’s birth. It is believed that observing the Krishna Janmashtami fast brings prosperity and wellness to the devotees. However, certain rituals should be followed while fasting on Janmashtami.
One should wake up early and perform pooja and rituals on muhurat.
Donating food and clothes to needy people is a kind act to bring positivity.
Devotees consume satvik bhojan on this day.
Don’t hurt animals as it is believed that Lord Krishna loves animals.
Consume milk and curd while celebrating Janmashtami.
Those who are fasting will only eat after midnight when the birthday celebrations are held.
Krishna Janmashtami is an important Hindu festival. It is celebrated on the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the months of July-August (Hindu month of Shravana) in India with utmost joy and enthusiasm. The largest celebration takes place in the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan. Lord Krishna is believed to be the most powerful incarnation of Lord Vishnu who depicts the win over evil as in the Bhagavad Gita. Devotees consider him as their leader, protector, teacher, and very good friend. It has a great significance all over the world. We hope you have learnt something new about this auspicious occasion. If you loved reading this, share it with your friends and also visit our website for similar blogs.
1. Which states in India celebrate Janmashtami?
Janmashtami is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in different states of the country. However, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh is known for its grand celebration. Janmashtami, however, is now a global affair with different ISKCON temples celebrating it in a grand way at different locations across the globe.
2. Why is Janmashtami celebrated for 2 days?
As Lord Krishna was born at midnight, it is celebrated for two days.
3. When is Janmashtami 2022?
This year, Janmashtami 2022 will be celebrated on the 18th and 19th of August, majorly on 19th August.