Janmashtami
festival is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna
Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada
(August–September). Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting and
staying up until midnight, the time when Lord Krishna is believed to
have been born. Images of Lord Krishna's infancy are placed in swings
and cradles in temples and homes. At midnight, devotees gather around
for devotional songs, dance and exchange gifts. Some temples also
conduct reading of the Hindu religious scripture Bhagavad Gita.
Sri
Krishna is considered as the one of the most powerful human
incarnations of the Lord Vishnu. He was 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 deeply in the Bhagwat Geeta.
Janmashtami's
meaning is deep rooted and it conveys a message that all human beings
spend their life engulfed with the darkness of their own vices. We
are bound with so many shackles of anger, greed, temptations,
attachments and pain. But as the Lord takes birth, every bit of the
darkness fades away and we are released from all the chains of the
worldly pleasures.
Om
Namo Naraynay Namah!
Blessed
Be!
