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.