JANAM ASTAMI is the birthday of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm all over the world and more so in India and Pakistan in either July or August. According to the Hindu calendar this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon.

Sri Krishna is considered one of the most powerful human incarnations of the Lord Vishnu, born around 5,200 years ago in Mathura. The sole objective of Sri Krishna’s birth was to free the Earth from the evilness of demons. He played an important role in Mahabharata and propagated the theory of bhakti and good karma which are narrated extensively in the Bhagwat Geeta.

The actual celebration takes place around midnight as it is believed that Sri Krishna was born on a dark, stormy night to end the rule and violence of his uncle, Kansa. Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples.

The day is celebrated with devotional songs and dances, pujas, aarti, blowing of the conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna. The celebrations at Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Sri Krishna spent his life, are very special. All temples and homes are beautifully decorated and illuminated for the occasion.

Happy Janam Astami to all!

Amarlal Matlani

Larkana

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2017