Sri Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations
Janmashtami is the joyful celebration of Lord Krishna's birth. Major celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami takes place at midnight as Krishna is said to have made his divine appearance in that hour. Fasting, bhajans, pujas and many other rituals mark Janmashtami celebrations in India.
Janmashtami
IN ISKCON
Lord Krishna is believed to have been born at midnight
so while Shaivyas celebrate it on the second day after midnight when Vasudevji
took him to Gokul, The Vaishnavs choose to celebrate the festival on the first
day. ISKCON too celebrates Janmashtami on the second day ie. the day after the
birth of Lord Krishna.An offering of 108 dishes to Lord Krishna known as 'Bhog'
takes place at midnight and thereafter it is distributed among devotees .
Viewing or darshan of the idol of Lord Krishna takes place. The idol is
beautifully decorated with flowers. The platform on which the idol is kept is
also equally laden with flowers. Thereafter, Abhishek (bathing) of the Lord
takes place with milk, milk products and fresh fruit juices. This is followed
by Bhajans (devotional songs) sung with various musical instruments in the
glory of the Lord, dances are performed by devotees to rejoice the birth of
Lord. Finally plays or dramas are held enacting the various phases and leelas
of lord Krishna's life. Reading of Scriptures From Bhagawad Gita especially the
episode of Birth of Lord Krishna is a special feature during
Janmashtami.ISKCON, celebrates Janmashtami festival at its various centres all
over the world. Main Celebrations are held in the prominent cities of United States
including New York.
Janmashtami
in Dwarka
The celebration of Janmashtami in the main Dwarkadhish temple
is very famous in India. Devotees from all over India throng the city of Dwarka
during Janamashtami. The festival day begins with mangla arti performed in
the morning.Mangla arti is performed in the morning. Beginning with 'Banta
Bhog' (of milk and milk products) offered to Lord Krishna,After the bath, Lord
Krishna is adorned with clothes and ornaments.After the adornment of Shri
Krishna, the curtains are removed and devoteed are allowed to do the darshans
of the Lord.After the evening arti, Lord is offered sweets again, devotees are
not allowed the darshans of the Lord during this time. Then it is time for
Dwarkadhish to sleep. This happens around 9:00 pm. It is around 10:30 pm that
darshans are opened again for the devotees during the Janmashtami
celebrations.Janmashtami, the birthday of Shri Krishna, is celebrated with
great splendour. Rows of lights are lit everywhere, kirtans and bhajans are
sung, sermons are delivered and Krishna is worshipped in his infant form.
Thousands of people go to Dwarka to visit the temple and participate in the
fair.
Janmashtami
in Vrindavan
The holy town of Vrindavan is where Lord Krishna spent his
formative years.During Janmashtami, the entire city gets immersed in the spirit
of devotion.Vrindavan starts celebrating Janmashtami 7-10 days before the
actual date of the festival. This is done by staging various plays and
rasleelas at different places in the city.The main temples are Banke
Bihari Temple, Rangnathji Temple, Shri krishna Balram Temple, Radharaman
Temple, ISCKON Temple etc. These temples have an itenarary for the entire day,
with timings fixed for various ceremonies and poojas all day long. Darshans are
open for devotees even during Abhishek (holy bath) of lord Krishna.
Janmashtami
in Mathura
The celebration of Janmashtami is at its peak in the city of
Mathura-birth place of Lord Krishna. The main celebration takes place at
the actual place of birth, now converted into a big temple known as Krishna
Janma Bhoomi Mandir. Devotees keep a day-long fast and break it at
midnight after the birth time of Bhagwan Krishna.The Birth of Lord Krishna at
midnight is followed by performance of pooja and other ceremonies. .
Devotees pray and welcome the lord with slogans of 'Jai Shri Krishna'. After
the prayers have been performed, Panchamrit, a mixture of honey, gangajal,
curd, ghee is distributed. Lord is fed with the customary prasad of Chhapan
Bhog (Fifty six dishes). Devotees break their fast with 'Prasad' of the
Lord.Rasleela is performed by young boys between the age of 10-13 years.All
through the day devotees remain immersed in the chanting of Shlokas and name of
the Lord. Songs and hymns are also sung in the glory of Sri Krishna.
Post a Comment