Krishna Janmashtami, usually called Janmashtami, is a holiday in the Hindu calendar that celebrates the birthday of Krishna, the god of love and compassion. It celebrated widely in India and it is observed on different dates each year.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI INTRODUCTION
Krishna Janmashtami is one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu world, paying homage to the birth of Krishna, who is one of the faith's most popular deities.It takes place over a 48-hour period in late summer.
THE CELEBRATION OF KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI
On the first day of the event, called Krishan Ashtami, Hindus rise before dawn to engage in song and prayer in Krishna's honor. Some Hindus also celebrate with dances and dramatic rituals that tell the story of Krishna's birth and life, and many of them will fast in his honor.
Vigils are held until midnight when it is believed that the deity was born. Sometimes, Hindu faithful will also bathe and dress statues of the baby Krishna to commemorate his birth. On the second day, called Janam Ashtami, Hindus will break their fast of the previous day with elaborate meals that often contain milk or cheese curds, said to be two of Krishna's favorite foods.
WHEN IS IT OBSERVED?
Like other Hindu holy days and celebrations, Janmashtami's date is determined by the lunisolar cycle, rather than the Gregorian calendar used in the West.
The holiday occurs on the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadra or Bhadrapada, which typically falls between August and September. Bhadrapada is the sixth month in the 12-month Hindu calendar. Based on the lunisolar cycle, each month begins on the day of the full moon.
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