It is that time of the year again. Devotees across the country are fasting, chanting, dancing and singing in joy as they await the arrival of the little Kanhaiya, our Balgopal. Janamashtami is considered to be one of the major festivals celebrated in our country. Hindus across different regions in the country consider this day to be auspicious (the eight day of Krishna Paksha of the month of Shravan) and follow various customs to show their devotion to their beloved Lord Krishna who is lovingly addressed with many names- Govinda, Balgopal, Jagadguru, Manmohan, Murlimanohar, among others.
The reason why Krishna is worshipped so adoringly can probably be attributed to his tales of Raaslila and naughty stories we have all grown up listening, reading or watching. Be it his little adventures with his big brother Balram, his naughty antics with the Gopis, his MAKHANCHOR amusing or the stories of him being the ultimate savior whenever Vrindavan was in trouble, Krishna has been a legend we all love to love.
He was born in Mathura and raised in Vrindavan and hence both these towns are drowned in major celebration around the time of Janamashtami. As devotees dance and sing till the clock strikes twelve, officially announcing the arrival of Kanha Ji each year, the mood is both divine and uplifting.
For those who had been fasting, it's time to break the fast with fruits, dhaniya panjiri (crushed coriander mixed with ghee and nuts) and a concoct of curd, ghee (clarified butter) and honey which is considered auspicious. The deity of Krishna is also clothed and decorated with beautiful ornaments and flower garlands. Krishna deity also undergoes ablution with water and milk which are considered auspicious liquids in a ceremony called ABHISHEKA. 'Chappan Bhog' are offered to the deity and sweets are distributed everywhere to mark the celebration.
The mood across all the temples is celebratory and one can see the deities and entire premise decorated with flowers, decorations and bright lights.
Every year Krishna Janamashtami is celebrated in our country with much zeal and fervor in the Shravana month of Hindu calendar. In Mumbai and many parts of Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated with the DAHI HANDI ritual and competitions are held between teams to break the Dahi Handi successfully with least attempts. Excited Human pyramids, nonstop cheering and that endless "Govinda" chanting creates a lively vibe that elevates the festival and celebrations one notch up. The winning team of course looks forward to a handsome reward from the community.
Peachmode wishes all its readers a very happy Shri Krishna Janmashtami. May Lord Krishna light up your life with all the success and happiness. HAATHI GHODA PAALKI, JAI KANHAIYA LAL KI!
