Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. According to the Hindu calendar, it is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha. This is an important festival in Hinduism. Krishna Janmashtami has great significance in Mathura and Vrindavan. It is said that Lord Krishna was born in Mathura and spent his childhood in both Mathura and Vrindavan. Devotees also perform fast on this auspicious day.
Janmashtami in 2022: Date and Time
Krishna Janmashtami will be observed on August 18, 2022.
Ashtami Tithi begins at 09:20 pm on August 18, 2022.
Ashtami Tithi ends at 10:59 pm on August 19, 2022.
History
Lord Krishna was born in the Bhadrapada month in Mathura. He was Devaki and Vasudeva’s son. When Lord Krishna was born, Mathura was ruled by his uncle Kansa.
Kansa wanted to kill his sister’s children as a prophecy said that the couple’s eighth son would cause Kansa’s downfall.
After listening to the prophecy, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and killed their first six children soon after they were born.
The seventh fetus of Devaki was transferred from Devaki’s womb to Princess Rohini’s.
When their eighth child, Lord Krishna, was born, the entire palace went into slumber and Vasudeva rescued the baby to Nand Baba and Yashodha’s house in Vrindavan.
After making the exchange, Vasudeva returned to the palace with a baby girl and handed her to Kansa. When the evil king tried to kill her, she transformed into Goddess Durga, who warned him about his impending doom.
Later, Krishna kills his uncle Kansa for all his evil doings.
Significance
Krishna devotees adorn their homes with flowers, diyas and lights. All the temples in Mathura and Vrindavan witness the most extravagant and colourful celebrations.
Devotees also perform Raslila to recreate incidents from Krishna’s life and to commemorate his love for Radha.
An idol of an infant Krishna is bathed and placed in a cradle during midnight, as Lord Krishna was born at midnight.
