Krishna Janmashtami 2023 Holiday (Thursday, 6th September 2023)

Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth manifestation of the deity Vishnu. It is one of the most significant Hindu holidays. According to the Hindu calendar, the Krishna Janmashtami holiday is observed on the eighth day of Bhadrava, which often falls during August or September. This year Krishna Janmashtami 2023 will be celebrated on September 6th.

When is Krishna Janmashtami in 2023?

Shri Krishna Janmashtami 2023 will be celebrated on 6th September and 7th September. The mahurat (auspicious time) for Nishita Puja starts on 6th September 2023 at 11:57 PM. It ends at 12:42 PM on 7th September and the dahi haandi date will falls on Friday August 12.

The celebration of the Shree Krishna Janmashtami Holiday changes every year as it is celebrated according to the Hindu Lunisolar Calendar. It is generally observed on Ashtami, or the eighth day of the Bhadrapad month, of Krishna Paksha. It usually falls anytime during the months of August and September.

Krishna Janmashtami 2023 Muhurat

According to the Hindu calendar, date of Bhadrapada month is starting on 06 September 2023 at 03.37 pm. Ashtami Tithi will end on 07 September 2023 at 04.14 pm.

• Rohini Nakshatra starts – 06 September 2023, 09:20 am
• Rohini Nakshatra ends – 07 September 2023, 10:25 am

Midnight Puja Time – 12:02 – 12:48 (7 September 2022)

Duration – 46 minutes

How is Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated?

On Krishna Jayantii, devotees observe fasts and perform puja, sing devotional songs and make offerings to Lord Krishna. People also visit temples and participate in processions, where the statue of Lord Krishna is displayed in a decorated jhoola or swing. Many people also visit ISKCON temples to offer prayers and participate in the recitation of Bhagavad Gita and other devotional hymns.

Krishna Janmashtami Rituals

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in various ways across the world. Below are some of the rituals that are followed.

1. Celebration at Temples

Where there are Vaishnava temples, celebrations start early in the morning and go all day till midnight, which is also the exact time of the anniversary of Krishna’s arrival. 

2. Events

There are various events, including kirtan, where devotees chant the name of the Lord together. Japa, a more private and personal form of devotion, is also carried out by devotees. While others engage in theater and dance performances, some devotees prepare a feast comprising more than a hundred dishes. 

3. Decoration of Temples and the Krishna Jhoola

 Some people hang giant flower wreaths and other ornaments for the temple. Others dress and beautify the Krishna idol. A jhoola, or swing, is set up. Here, the idol of Lord Krishna is displayed.

4. Fasting

Everyone, except the young, fast all day. Incense is burned, and the Bhagawad Gita is read. 

5. Abhisekha

 In a ritual cleansing termed abhisheka, the idols are also washed in a selection of auspicious liquids. This is done quite pompously, sometimes taking almost two hours or more.

6. Midnight celebrations

 At twelve o’clock at night, priests open the drapes to unveil Krishna’s freshly clothed deity on an artistically adorned and decorated shrine. As the excitement increases, a beautiful kirtan follows.

Krishna Janmashtami Prasad

Since Lord Krishna adored fine cuisine, Janmashtami is closely associated with food. On this holy day, a large number of prasads are made. Some of these are: 

1. Dhaniya Panjiri

Dhaniya panjiri is regarded as one of the most significant prasads among all those made on this auspicious day. Dhaniya panjiri is a dish frequently cooked in parts of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

2. Mishri Makhan

 Little Krishna is said to love white butter or “safed makhan.” A special bhog (meal) of Makhan Mishri (sweet white butter) is presented to God on the auspicious day of Janmashtami.

3. Panchamrit or Charnamrit

 A sweet and milky mixture called charnamrit is given out to worshippers as prasad. Charnamrit, also called panchamrit, is a dish that combines milk, yoghurt, ghee, honey, and liquid jaggery.

4. Kheer

On Janmashtami, kheer is often made and served to Lord Krishna around midnight after the puja is over. Kheer is a dessert made with rice and condensed milk.

5. Makhan Paag

A delightful treat called makhana paag is typically served on the joyous festival of Janmashtami. The chappan bhog thali is served and it consists of 56 dishes, including makhana paag. It is made of lotus seeds, ghee, milk, and bhoora (powdered sugar), along with some other traditional dishes. 

Krishna Janmashtami Decoration 

Krishna Janmashtami is a festival celebrated in all parts of the world, and every person has a unique way of celebrating it. It also involves decorating your house to welcome Lord Krishna to your home. Here are a few ideas for Janmashtami decoration at home:

1. Rangolis

One of the oldest methods of decorating a home for a holiday is the rangolis. This Indian custom is a kind way to greet visitors. Thus, it works well for Janmashtami decorations.

2. Lights

The appearance of the decorations may be transformed further with fairy lights. People generally decorate their homes with fairy lights with colours like blue, white, yellow, or pink. It is a beautiful way to welcome Lord Krishna into homes at midnight.

3. Flowers

The use of flowers in temples and puja sthaans is one of the most popular ways to decorate them. Among the aromatic flowers that Lord Krishna enjoys are jasmine and mogra. By weaving these flowers into long strings, you may adorn the temple and wrap them around Lord Krishna’s jhoola (swing).

4. Dahi Handi Decoration

 Lord Krishna adored white unsalted butter and “Dahi,” or curd. The two most important things to offer the Lord on Janmashtami are these. You may get a little handi (pot) and embellish it with paint, golden ribbons, and mirrors. Put some curd inside and hang it.

5. Flute Decoration

Lord Krishna enjoyed playing the flute or bansuri. He composed music that mesmerised his friends. Select a couple of bansuris and decorate them with mirrors, brocades, and glitter. You may either hang them as decorations or simply set them down next to the temple; either way, they’ll fuel your Janmashtami celebration with a lot more excitement.

Which States Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami?

Lord Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most celebrated festivals in the country. Here is how the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in some states:

1. Maharashtra

Maharashtra observes Gokulashtami with the utmost enthusiasm and passion. The streets echo with “Govinda aala re,” a chant.  The people practice “Dahi Handi,” a ceremony that portrays Krishna pursuing his preferred buttermilk. Young men build a human pyramid by joining together and climbing on top of each other.

2. Uttar Pradesh

When Janmashtami arrives, Mathura and Vrindavan are spectacles unto themselves. Before the event, both of these locations come to life. The state’s temples are filled with night vigils and Krishna aartis (prayers). Numerous worshippers rush to the places of worship where exquisitely painted pandals can be seen. Swings, known as Jhulautsav, are adorned with flowers and jewels and placed in the temple’s pragan (premises). They are thought to symbolise the birth of Lord Krishna. Folk dance, drama, Jhanki Pradarshan, and Rasleela, which are based on passages from the Bhagwata Purana, take the stage. 

3. Gujarat

Gujarati people have a great deal of reverence for Lord Krishna, who is sometimes referred to as the Dwarkadish (King of Dwarka). The idol of Dwarkadish, which is adorned with priceless jewelry, is made available for worship to the devotees that crowd the temple grounds and come from far and wide. At this time of year, the entire city shines brightly and is engulfed in a cheerful and spiritual atmosphere. 

4. Odisha

The most iconic temple of Lord Krishna is Jagannath, located in Odisha. All of Odisha’s main temples are exquisitely decorated, and a special prasad called Jeuda Bhog is made. Lord Krishna’s idol is placed in a floral-adorned cradle at midnight. To commemorate the anniversary of Krishna’s birth, mantras are repeated, processions are performed, devotional songs are sung, poems from the Bhagavad Gita are recited, and a number of sweets are prepared.

5. Manipur

In Imphal, ISKCON and Shri Shri Govindajee temples enthusiastically celebrate Janmashtami. It is also known as Krishna Janma in Manipur. The auspicious festival includes a Rasleela performed in Manipuri style as well as musical and dance performances. Throughout this time of the year, a variety of cultural events are held with great excitement. The celebration starts at midnight when devotees assemble to worship the Lord by singing bhajans and kirtans. 

Destinations to Spend Krishna Janmashtami Holidays 2023

In August or September, people often commemorate Gokulashtami or Lord Krishna Janmashtami. Here is a list of places that you can visit this Krishna Janmashtami Holiday in 2023: 

1. Mathura

Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is well-known for its Janmashtami celebrations. As a result, this location is highly revered by Hindu believers. Both locals and tourists enthusiastically participate in this celebration.

2. Gokul

As soon as Lord Krishna was born in jail, Vasudeva brought him to Gokul. This is the reason why the celebration, which is observed one day after the primary holiday, is also known as Gokulashtami. On this day, worshippers sing hymns, recite mantras, blow shells, and ring bells.

3. Mumbai

Mumbai is well known for both its lavish Janmashtami celebrations. Dahi Handi festivities take place all around the city. It is unquestionably an experience of a lifetime that you just can’t miss.

4. Vrindavan

Vrindavan, which is near the Shri Krishna birthplace, also enthusiastically observes the Krishna Janmashtami holiday. In this enlightened city, Lord Krishna spent his formative years. Ten days before the event, the city starts to celebrate. Temples are adorned with new flowers and lights.

5. Dwarka

Dwarka is a beautiful city and the home of Lord Krishna. After leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna is said to have stayed here for 5,000 years. The town holds a month-long ‘Janmashtami Utsav’ festival. Mangal aarti is done at temples all across the city. It is one of the most serene places to be during the festival. 

Why is Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated?

The holiday of Krishna Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna was born in prison in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. He was born around midnight to Queen Devaki and King Vasudev. According to custom, the Krishna Janmashtami puja is therefore done in the Nishita Kaal at around midnight. The festival is celebrated to remember him a little more than he is remembered on other days. 

Krishna Janmashtami History and Significance

Krishna Janmashtami History

Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered to be one of the most revered and loved deities in Hinduism. Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva and spent his childhood in Vrindavan. The festival is observed on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravana. It is celebrated with fasting, prayers, and devotional songs, and the Dahi Handi ceremony is the highlight of the festival, where people form human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd.

Krishna Janmashtami Significance

Krishna Janmashtami is significant for Hindus as it commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishn. The festival is a reminder of the divine intervention to protect humanity from evil forces and establish the rule of righteousness.Till today, Lord Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita on duty, devotion, and detachment continue to inspire and guide people towards a meaningful and fulfilling life. The festival is also a time for people to come together, offer prayers and devotional songs as it  promotes unity, harmony, and joy among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Which Other Countries Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami

1. Nepal

In Nepal, devotees congregate at the ancient Krishna temple located in old Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur to offer prayers in honor of the birth of Lord Krishna. They chant the name of Lord Krishna and offer flowers, foods and coins as per tradition. 

2. Canada

The Indian community living in the Canada celebrates by organising various cultural programs that are organized by the Hindu temple located in Richmond Hill City, to commemorate the auspicious occasion.The day-long affair is an important event for Indian residents in Canada, as it provides an opportunity to meet and interact with members of their community.

3. Singapore

Serangoon Road is the busiest street during Janmashtami when shops selling baby Krishna idols and other puja items are adorned with many decorations. Religious processions are carried out to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. 

4. Malaysia

 The celebration of the Janmashtami festival reaches its peak at the Lord Krishna Temple in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. The day-long affair attracts a maximum number of people from the Indian community who gather to take part in the merrymaking.

5. USA

The celebrations begin early in the morning with the idol of baby Krishna placed in a cradle and conches being blown at midnight to commemorate the birth of the deity. People enjoy the festival during the daytime by feasting and visiting the nearest temple to offer prayers to Lord Krishna.

Final Word

During Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, Hindus across the globe celebrate for two or three days. Throughout the festival, dramatised versions of Lord Krishna’s life are performed. A powerful devotional hymn is sung during the all-night vigil. Then, people fast, and the next day, a feast is held where sweets and treats are specially prepared. While the festival is celebrated all across the world, it also imparts a message of being inquisitive and gaining knowledge.

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