Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival and an official holiday in many parts of India. Dahi Handi is celebrated the day after Janmashtami. Here’s more about the popular Indian festival.
What is Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami (also known as Gokulashtami) is a popular Hindu festival and today is celebrated around the world. It is also celebrated in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, the USA, Fiji etc.
The festival is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Gokul is the name of the destination where Lord Krishna spent his childhood.
Lord Krishna is the eighth avtar of Lord Vishnu.
The meaning of Krishna is the “Presence of happiness and knowledge.”
The festival normally befalls on the 8 day after Avami Avittam ceremony. According to the Hindu calendar, Janmashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shravana or Bhadra (in the Hindu calendar, there is a leap month once every three years).
Devotees perceive fast on the festival day. They break the fast at midnight and sing devotional songs on the Lord. In the evening, devotees worship the Lord and offer delightful foods.
Foreigners come to India to Watch Dahi Handi
Dahi Handi is celebrated a day after Gokulashtami.
Dahi (curd) Handi (pot) means a pot full of curd. As a child, Lord Krishna used to love butter the most. Ladies would hide curd in the upper shelves, but little Krishna and his friends would make a human castle and steal the curd/butter.
Dahi Handi is celebrated on the festival day as a mark of respect to the Lord. Dahi Handi signifies the importance of teamwork according in Hindu mythology.
Destinations in India To Visit During Gokulashtami
- Mathura: Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Visitors can witness the attractive decorations, the rituals of this festival at ISKCON Temple, Bankey Bihari Temple and Dwarkadhish Temple, and a lot more.
- Dwarka: Dwarka is a holy city in India. Krishna Janmashtami is remarked by bhajanas, garba and spiritual talks in the night.
- Mumbai: Mumbai, financial city of India and capital city of Maharashtra, attracts people across India (and abroad) on this auspicious day. Dahi Handi (human castles that try to break pots placed at great heights) is arranged in several parts of the city.
- Puri: The festival is celebrated on a large scale at Puri Jagannath Temple. The city organises special events on the festival day.
- Udupi: Udupi, a city in Karnataka, also attracts many tourists on this occasion and celebrates the festival in its own unique style.
