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Janamashtami, is one of the most important festival of the Hindus. This
festival marks the birth of Krishna,
the eighth of the 10 incarnations of Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe. The first day is called Krishan ashtami
or Gokul ashtami. The second day is known as Kaal ashtami or more popularly
Janam ashtami.
Janam literally means 'birth' and ashstami means
the 'eight day'. According to Hindu legend Lord Krishna’s parents Devaki
and Vasudev got married a voice from heaven warned that Deviki's brother Kansa
would be killed by Devaki’s eighth son. Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and
killed her children as they were born But on a stormy night when their eighth
child was born, the chains miraculously fell off Vasudev’s feet, the dungeon
doors opened and Vasudev carried the newly born Krishna to the safety of Gokul’s
ruler Nandan. He then brought back the baby who had been born to Nandan’s wife
Yashodha. It was here, that the lord Krishna grew up with Nandan and Yashodha
safe from his uncle Kansa till he was old enough to overthrow him.
Janamashtami, is celebrated
in India with big blast. During
this festival, the Hindu devotees fast, sing tradition songs and stay awake
until the midnight birth ceremony. The image of Krishna is placed in a cradle.
Food is prepared from milk and curds said to have been favoured by Krishna.
Plays are also carried out re-enacting scenes from Krishna's early life. The
image of the baby Krishna is placed on a swing and bathed with charanamrit (holy
water). Prayers, hymns and religious songs are performed extolling the greatness
of Lord Krishna. Given the significance of Krishna in the Hindu pantheon
Janamashtami is celebrated with great importance and consideration.
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