MAIN Holidays & Observances Janmashtami - Krishna's Birthday

Janmashtami, or Gokul Ashtami, is one of the most anticipated Indian festivals - which occurs this year in early August - celebrating the birth of Krishna.

Due to regional variations that have endured down through the centuries, Janmashtami is traditionally observed on different days in in India. This year, the Smarta tradition observes the festival on August 10, 2012 and the Vaishnava Tradition on August 9, 2012.

As always, the the birth of Krishna is a time for prayer, fasting & joyful rituals, plays and dramas. It is also a time for religious processions, and popular songs, as well as reflection on the deity's life on earth, and the loving spiritual connection that he continues to forge with Hindus everywhere.

The Birth of Krishna

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

It had been foretold to his uncle, the wicked King Kansa, that an unyet born nephew would some day slay him. To thwart the prediction, the king imprisoned Krishna's parents, and slew each of their seven sons as they were born.

Upon Krishna's birth, however, the doors of the jail miraculously swung open! Aided by his father, the infant - hidden in a wicker basket - made his escape and (just as it was foretold) the evil King Kansa ultimately did meet his end at Krishna's hand.

Krishna's reputation grew as 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 part of 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.

Katmat's Potpourri - Exploits of Lord Krishna - A virtual tableau of Krishna's life told in popular artworks depicting him as a mischievous 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 resources

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

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