August 16, 2025

Janmashtami is the colorful festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of Hinduism's most beloved Gods. But Krishna is not just a spiritual hero; as Dr. S. Radhakrishnan said, he stands for love and deep devotion. His life and teachings show big truths about how to live with kindness, balance, and following one’s duty — ideas beautifully captured in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. This special day falls on the Ashtami tithi during Krishnapaksha in the month of Bhadrapad, under the Rohini nakshatra. Krishna is the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, born in a story as thrilling as a blockbuster movie! King Kamsa of Mathura was scared because a prophecy said Devaki’s eighth child would defeat him. So, Devaki and her husband Vasudev were locked up, and all their babies were to be killed. But on a stormy night, the miracle happened. As Devaki was about to give birth, a divine power made everyone in Mathura sleep deeply. Vasudev bravely took baby Krishna across the river and handed him over to Yashoda and Nanda in a far-off village, saving him from Kamsa’s evil plans. This rescue set the stage for good to defeat evil. Krishna’s childhood was full of magical games and miracles. On Janmashtami, people fast and keep watch until midnight – the time Krishna was born. Families gather to tell enchanting stories of baby Krishna and his playful friends in the peaceful lands of Braj. They sing joyful bhajans and perform lively kirtans, filling hearts with devotion. Temples and homes sparkle with decorations of flowers and tiny Krishna idols placed in cradles, reminding everyone of his divine arrival. This festival is celebrated not just in big cities but also across Indian communities worldwide. Mathura, Krishna’s hometown, shines brightest with famous temples like Banke Bihari and Radha Raman. Other important places include the Puri Jagannath temple and Govind Dev temple in Jaipur. The next day after Janmashtami is the exciting Dahi Handi festival, where groups form human pyramids to break pots filled with curd. It’s a thrilling tribute to Krishna’s childhood love for butter. Above all, Krishna’s advice to Arjun in the Bhagavad Gita remains a glowing guide for today’s world. His words teach us about humanism, tolerance, and following dharma, helping us face life’s challenges with courage and wisdom.

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Tags: Janmashtami, Lord krishna, Bhagavad gita, Krishna birth, Kamsa, Festival,