India is a diverse country with numerous festivals, that are celebrated throughout the year. Among all the festivals, there are few which have a very high
significance and Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami is one of those festivals.

The story As It Goes…..

Shri Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudev, however was brought up by Yashoda and Nanda in Vrindavan. The festival generally falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha or 8^th day of the dark fortnight on the month of Bhadrapad . It is said that lord Krishna was born in Mathura Prison. Therein, his life was in danger from his maternal uncle, kansa. The tyrant Kansa, was told by a voice in the sky that one of her children would kill him. Kansa decided to kill Devaki so that she does not give rise to any children, but Vasudeva, her husband begged Kansa to forgive Devki and promised that he will give any of her child to Kansa, so then Kansa on this assurance from Vasudev, let Devki go. He imprisoned both Devaki and Vasudeva. Kansa made sure that none of her children survived. Therefore, in order to protect lord Krishna, his father Vasudev carried him in a basket across the raging River Yamuna to Vrindavan. There Krishna was adopted and brought up by Yashoda and Nanda.

The Celebration….

People Celebrate Janmashtami at midnight, because it is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight. The devotees keep fast to show gratitude and devotion to lord Krishna. Since Sri Krishna was fond of eating Makhan, people play this sport where an earthen pot or matki is tied high from the ground. Moreover, a person fills Makhan in the matki. Besides, people build a human pyramid to break the matki.

ISKCON Janmashtami celebration happens all across the world. On the day, the temple hall is decorated with fragrant flowers. Kirtan and chanting of the Holy name take place for the entire day. Even Rasleelas are performed based on different events from Krishna’s life. Furthermore, the celebration is also done in houses.

Shri Krishna, the divine master who dispels darkness and lights the lamp of wisdom in people’s heart and is always with us to guide us to lead our life with joy, hope and confidence.

Festivals like Janmashtami play an essential role in bringing people together and spreading the message of peace, love, and harmony. Even though it’s a religious festival yet India upholds the concept of Unity in diversity and celebrates the day with one and all.

By Sayantika Chakrabarti, Class XII Science-A

With Rumela Chatterjee, Faculty of English.