MAIN Holidays & Observances Janmashtami - Krishna's Birthday

Janmashtami, or Gokul Ashtami, is one of the most anticipated Indian festivals - which occurs this year on Friday, August 14, 2009 - celebrating the birth of Krishna.

As it has been observed for centuries, today the birth of Krishna is a time for prayer, fasting & joyful rituals, plays & dramas, as well as reflection on the diety's life on earth, and the loving spiritual connection that he continues to forge with Hindus everywhere.

As any Indian school child can tell you, Lord Krishna was born under humble and very harrowing circumstances.

The Birth of Krishna

It had been foretold to his uncle, the wicked King Kansa, that an unyet born nephew would some day slay him. And so to thwart the prediction, the king imprisoned Krishna's parents and slew each of their seven sons as they were born. However, upon Krishna's birth, the doors of the prison miraculously opened and allowed the infant - hidden in a wicker basket - to escape with his father. Later, as it was foretold, the evil ruler did meet his end at Krishna's hand.

Krishna later grew up to be seen as a a powerful vanquisher of evil, as well as a beloved example of human lovingkindness. He became a touchstone to the heavens, surely a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, the divine ruler of the Universe who revealed to Arjuna the Bhagavad Gita – which to this day remains the guiding religion for Hindus around the world.

Janmashtami On the Web

On the Web, learn more about the festivals, foods and temple rituals surrounding the birth of Krishna, including songs, incantations and special prayers that are all a part of the annual Janmashtami celebrations .....

Krishna Janmashtami - Complete information on the festival with recipes, traditional rituals, the story & legends of Krishna's life, fasting, feasting, the dahi-handi ceremony, with pictures & information on celebrations in India and around the world.

Krishna's Birthday Bash - Nicely written account of the modern celebration with overview of related stories, customs and traditions.

Janmashtami - A recounting of Krishna's life as a statesman & philosopher with descriptions of Indian traditions, ceremonies & household superstitions, plus a link to related recipes.

Katmat's Potpourri - Exploits of Lord Krishna - A virtual tableau of Krishna's life told in popular artworks depicting him as a mischievious child, warrior & humanitarian, plus related links & suggested reading.

Krishna.com - Site dedicated soley to his life & teachings including Webcasts, suggested reading, dozens of downloadable pictures, desktop art & e-cards, related links.

Janmashtami E-Cards - A colorful collection from Indiatimes including Flash and animated Krishna birthday greetings.

Janmashtami Recipes - Traditional foods for Krishna's birthday including complete recipes and instructions for Doodhachi Kheer, Murukku, Golden Yogurt, Peda, Gopalkala, Singhare Ke Puri and Kalakand.

also see -> Diwali | Holi | Makar Sankranti

Rakhi | World Friendship Day | India Independence Day