Krishna Janmashtami is just around the corner, and it holds immense significance for Hindus worldwide. This special festival is celebrated by devotees of Lord Shri Krishna to mark his birth anniversary.
According to the Hindu calendar, Krishna Janmashtami falls on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada. It's worth noting that Lord Krishna's earthly appearance coincided with the Rohini Nakshatra, making this Nakshatra even more important.
This year, devotees will celebrate Krishna Janmashtami over two consecutive days, specifically on September 6 and 7, 2023. This extended celebration is due to the alignment of two significant celestial events, Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra.
Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Shubh Muhurat
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: September 06, 2023, 03:37 PM
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: September 07, 2023, 04:14 PM
- Rohini Nakshatra Begins: September 06, 2023, 09:20 AM
- Rohini Nakshatra Ends: September 07, 2023, 10:25 AM
Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Why a Two-Day Celebration?
The celebration spans two days because the Ashtami Tithi, the eighth day in the Hindu lunar calendar, starts on September 6 at 03:37 PM and concludes on September 7, 2023, at 04:14 PM. It's essential to note that Lord Krishna was born on the Ashtami Tithi.
Additionally, Rohini Nakshatra, the birth star of Lord Krishna, begins on September 6 at 09:20 AM and ends on September 7 at 10:25 AM. Therefore, considering both Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra, Janmashtami will be observed on September 6, 2023, while the Dahi Handi celebration will follow on September 7, 2023.
Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Significance
Krishna Janmashtami holds deep significance in the hearts of Hindus worldwide. This festival is celebrated with immense devotion as it commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. His birth to Devaki Mata and Vasudeva occurred under challenging circumstances as they were imprisoned by the demon Kansa, who was Lord Krishna's maternal uncle. Divine intervention saw Lord Krishna being born at midnight, and he later defeated the malevolent Kansa.
Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Pooja Rituals
On this auspicious day, devotees follow a series of rituals to honour Lord Krishna:
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Ritual Bath: Devotees begin their day with an early morning ritual bath to cleanse themselves.
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Cleaning and Decoration: Homes are meticulously cleaned, with special attention given to the pooja room, which is adorned with flowers, balloons, and lights.
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Adorning Laddoo Gopal: The child form of Lord Krishna, Laddoo Gopal ji, is bathed and dressed in new clothes, a crown (Mukut), a peacock feather (Mor Pankh), and jewellery.
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Tilak and Offerings: Sandalwood (Chandan) tilak is applied, and offerings of various sweets and panchamrit (a mixture of milk, honey, yogurt, ghee, and sugar) are offered to the deity.
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Devotional Songs and Bhagavad Gita: Devotees engage in singing devotional songs and reciting Bhagavad Gita shlokas to express their reverence.
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Chanting and Blessings: The entire day is dedicated to chanting mantras and seeking the blessings of Lord Krishna.
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Community Celebration: People come together to celebrate with joy and happiness, creating a festive atmosphere.
Krishna Janmashtami is a time for deep spiritual reflection and a joyous celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna, embodying the love and devotion of his devotees.
