We are now celebrating the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, also recognized as Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Krishnasthami, or Srijayanti. This day serves as a commemoration of the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, who is regarded as the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. Annually, it is observed on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha during the months of Shravana or Bhadrapad. This year, Janmashtami extends over two consecutive days, September 6 and 7, and is marked with enthusiastic celebrations by Hindus throughout the nation. Nonetheless, the grandest Janmashtami festivities occur in Mathura and Vrindavan, the sacred birthplace and early abode of Lord Krishna.
Devotees of Lord Krishna visit temples, embellish their homes with flowers and oil lamps, offer prayers for divine blessings, observe fasting, install idols of Bal Gopal within their households, and partake in various religious rituals.
As per Drik Panchang, Janmashtami falls on September 6 (today, Wednesday), while the festivities of Dahi Handi commence on September 7 (tomorrow, Thursday). In terms of Vedic chronology, this marks the 5250th birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. His birth was destined to vanquish the tyrannical demon King Kansa, who happened to be the brother of Devaki, Lord Krishna\’s mother. Kansa had imprisoned Devaki and her husband and cruelly put an end to the lives of their newborn children. However, during Devaki\’s seventh pregnancy, an extraordinary occurrence transpired when the fetus of Balrama mystically transferred to Princess Rohini\’s womb.
Upon the birth of their eighth child, Krishna, a profound slumber enshrouded the entire palace. Vasudev seized this opportunity to escape with Krishna to the home of Nand Baba and Yashodha in Vrindavan. He exchanged Krishna with a baby girl and returned to Kansa\’s palace. When Kansa attempted to harm the infant, she metamorphosed into Maa Durga and solemnly forewarned Kansa of his impending doom. This pivotal event marked the day of Lord Krishna\’s birth as Krishna Janmashtami, and these joyous celebrations span two days.