Sri Krishna Janmashtami

Janmashtami or Sri Krishna Jayanthi or Gokulashtami or Ashtami Rohini, what ever name you call this festival, marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna.

Lord Sri Krishna was born on the Ashtami day on Rohini Nakshtram. Fasting, chanting bhajans, pujas and many other rituals mark Janmashtami celebrations in India.

Rangoli’s are made in front of the houses in South India and small foot marks are also made to mark the arrival of Lord Sri Krishna into the house.

Sri Krishna was born as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu to kill his maternal uncle ‘Kamsa’, who was a cruel King. Lord Krishna’s teachings in Bhagavad Gita holds special significance among Hindus.

There are many food items that are integral part of this festival. Cheedai, Murukku, Ladoo, Kheer and many other sweet delicacies are prepared on Krishnashtami.

Devotees visit major Krishna temples to seek Lord Krishna’s blessings on Janmashtami. Some people read out 108 names of lord.

Lord Krishna’s idol with cradle and conch, New clothes, flute and ornaments for Lord Krishna, milk, curd, gangajal, honey and ghee for Panchamrit are essential for the Janmashtami Pooja.

Janmashtami in 2010 : This time there is a slight change in Janmashtami festival in different parts of India. In some part of India Janmashtami is on Sep 1st and other regions it is on Sep 2nd.