Sri Krishna Janmaashtami also known as Gokulaashtami is one of the most widely celebrated Avatar days in Sanaatanic vedic traditions.
This year Gokulashtami (Krishna Janmaashtami) falls on August 23, 2008 for the whole world except New Zealand and Fiji (These countries would celebrate Janmaashtami on August 24, 2008).
Sri Jayanthi falls on August 25, 2008 for all Eastern longitude countries, while it would be celebrated on August 24, 2008 in USA, Canada, etc.
It is a day to rejoice, to pray to the almighty for the wellness. On the auspicious day devotees observe fast and keep vigil till midnight.
Most of the people visit the nearby temples of Lord Krishna and offer prayers in large crowds. The prayers and worship starts in the evening and continues till midnight and the devotees offer fruits and specially prepared food to Bal Krishna.
The festival is celebrated for the birth of Lord Krishna with lot of splendor & joy.
The popular ceremony known as 'Dahi Handi' takes place where the matka (pot) containing curd, milk and other ingredients is tied up in clay pots as high as they can. Youths will then form human pyramids to try to break them open. People enjoy going from lane to lane, to watch the Govindas break the dahi-handi.
During the puja (prayer) the image of infant bala Krishna is bathed with Panchamrit and than decorated with new costumes and other makeup.
During the midnight the aarti is performed by blowing conch and ringing of bells.
Devotees house would be decorated with rangoli.
Tiny feet of the Lord were drawn leading into the house, guiding Him to come in and partake of the offerings.
Lord Krishna's avatar leelas are a live example of a karma yogic path - complete detachment from the results and perfect performance of one's duties as per one's station in life. Remembrance of how he playfully enacted various leelas and in the process decimated demonaic forces in various garbs is sure to inspire us to achieve great things in life. He taught us the efficacy of "effortless perfection". His Bhagavad Geeta is a magnum opus that can be a friend, philosopher, guide, counsellor, all rolled into one - it carries the essence of the whole Upanishadic Wisdom.
This festival of Janmashtami brings good luck and prosperity in every one's home & creates an ambiance of devotion and happiness among the devotees.
