Krishna Janmashtami 2024–Festival of divine joy and love
Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most auspicious and sacred festival celebrated all over India. Its a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism. This year Janmashtami will be observed on 26th August 2024. According to Hindu Calendar, the Ashtami (eighth) tithi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month will start on Sunday, 25th August 2024 (3:39 am) to Monday, 26th August (2:19 am). The day is marked with various festivities including fasting, devotional singing, playing bhajan and dancing. Celebrations often include decoration of temples, homes, preparing sweet and savoury dishes, organising community gathering and spiritual practices.
There are many ways to celebrate this vibrant and spiritual festival. Here are some ideas to observe this beautiful festival.
Fasting– Many devotees fast on Janmashtami, abstaining from all kind of food material and grains, consume only fruits and milk. Mantra Chanting during fasting will be very beneficial. It will increase your vibration and align your energies with divine universe.
Mantra/hymn- “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare”.
Temple Visit– You can visit holy temple on this occasion. Take sweets, flowers and other thing loved by Krishna (feathers, flute, butter etc.).
Home Decoration– Create festive atmosphere at home with decorations. You can also set up a small altar for Krishna with his idol, swing, flowers, incense, ghee lamp and sweets.
Dahi Handi celebration– In some regions of Maharashtra, people organise Dahi Handi event where clay pitchers and pots filled with curd, butter and sugar candies hung high and team of people form human pyramids to reach up and break the pots.
Midnight Pooja– You can organise special pooja at midnight specifically for the time of Krishna birth. Sing devotional songs and chant mantras.
Read and Reflect– You can spend time reading scriptures like Bhagwata Gita, Bhagwata Purana and Krishna Upansihad. Reflects on his messages and their relevance to your life.
“Uncontrolled anger is the reason of misery”
“Set your heart upon your work but never its reward”
Enjoy these activities with your family and loved ones and make your Janmashtami memorable and joyous.