Why We Celebrate Janmashtami? All About the Divine Celebration

Janmashtami is a vibrant festival that celebrates the birth of the beloved Hindu deity Lord Krishna. Popularly called Krishna Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami, it is celebrated not just in India but all across the globe with great enthusiasm. 

Lord Krishna is the 8th avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is considered the protector of Dharma (righteousness) and the conqueror of evil. He is the God of compassion, love, and protection. Since the 5th century, people have been worshipping Him as the supreme God after he was deified. 

But why do we celebrate Janmashtami? The festival is not just a religious event but a reminder of the values that Krishna represented—love, duty, and righteousness. Devotees around the world honor this day with a variety of rituals and traditions. Millions of people come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion in their own unique ways. 

Why Do We Celebrate Janmashtami?

To understand why we celebrate Janmashtami, it is important to know the story of Lord Krishna’s birth. Over 5,000 years ago, Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva. His birth was no ordinary event—it was marked by divine intervention and various miracles. At that time, Mathura was ruled by the cruel King Kansa, who was told by a prophecy that Devaki’s eighth son would bring about his end. Out of fear, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and killed their first seven children.

However, when Krishna was born, the gods intervened to ensure his safety. The prison doors miraculously opened, and Vasudeva was able to carry the newborn Krishna across the Yamuna River to the village of Gokul, where he was raised by Yashoda and Nanda. This miraculous event is the reason why we celebrate Janmashtami with such deep devotion. 

Krishna is honored not only for his divine birth but also for his teachings and his role in the Mahabharata, where he serves as a guide and mentor to Arjuna. His teachings, particularly those in the Bhagavad Gita, continue to inspire millions, emphasizing the importance of duty, righteousness, and devotion. Janmashtami is thus a celebration of Krishna’s life, his teachings, and the values he stood for.

Features of Krishna

Appearance

The appearance of Krishna is usually depicted with a striking dark blue or black complexion. It holds a deep spiritual significance and symbolizes his divine nature and his infinite presence, much like the vast sky or the deep ocean.

Peacock Feather

The peacock feather in his crown is one of the most iconic elements of Krishna's appearance. This decorative piece reflects his playful spirit and his connection to beauty and nature. There's something so joyful and carefree about it, reminding us of the lighter side of divinity.

Youthful Charm

Krishna is often portrayed as eternally youthful, with a smile and ageless appearance that reflects the essence of timeless joy, love, and divine energy.

Lotus-Like Eye 

Krishna's eyes are often described as being like lotus petals, full of compassion and love. His eyes offer comfort and a sense of peace to everyone who gazes upon them.

Flute Melodies

Krishna’s flute melodies are legendary and said to be so enchanting that they draw people—and even animals—towards him. It’s as if his music touches every soul with divine love and harmony. 

Playful and Mischievous

Krishna wasn’t just a divine figure—he was also a bit of a prankster, especially as a child. His infamous childhood stories of stealing butter and playfully teasing the village girls remind us to embrace the joy and playfulness in life.

His Many Names

Krishna is known by 108 different names, each reflecting a different aspect of who he is. Whether he’s called Mohan (the enchanter), Govinda (the chief herdsman), or Keev (the prankster), each name tells a story about his character. And in different parts of India, he’s worshipped under different names, like Jagannatha in Odisha, Shrinathji in Rajasthan, etc., highlighting the local connections people feel with him.

Deep Connection to Nature

Krishna's life in Vrindavan, surrounded by cows, birds, and trees, shows just how deeply he was connected to nature. His role as a cowherd reflects his love and care for all living beings. This connection to nature is something we can all learn from, especially in today’s world.

The Ultimate Guru

Apart from his fun and playful nature, Krishna is also the wise teacher who delivered the Bhagavad Gita. His teachings are still relevant today, offering guidance on how to live a life of purpose, duty, and spirituality. He’s a guru for all, no matter where you’re at in life.

The Customs & Traditions of Celebrating Janmashtami 

On Janmashtami, people beautifully decorate their homes and temples with flowers, lights, and rangolis. They surrounded the entire place with devotional songs and bhajans, creating a spiritual aura. Since Krishna was born at midnight, the grand celebrations also take place at midnight only. And every place or person has their own way of honoring the beloved Krishna on his birth day.

Devotees commonly celebrate by fasting the entire day, ending it at midnight. The Janmashtami vrat vidhi varies from person to person. Some go for a Nirjal fast, meaning no food or water, while others choose a Phalahar fast, eating only fruits, nuts, and milk. During the fast, devotees engage in prayer, meditation, and chanting Krishna’s name.

The highlight of Janmashtami is the midnight celebration, when devotees stay up to mark Krishna’s birth.  They perform special rituals like Abhishekam, where Krishna’s idol is bathed with milk, honey, and water. The idol is then dressed in beautiful handmade dresses and placed in a beautifully decorated cradle. This is followed by prayers, singing, breaking the fast, and sharing prasad (blessed food) with family and friends.

Many people keep a baby idol of Krishna, known as Bal Gopal, just like a member of their family. They bathe, dress up, and feed the baby idol every day. On Janmashtami specifically, they place the idol in decorated cradles, swinging it with love and affection. These cradles are often surrounded by vibrant floral arrangements and illuminated with lights to create a festive atmosphere.

There are also many cultural events along with spiritual ones to celebrate this day. In Maharashtra, Janmashtami features the exciting Dahi Handi event. People hang a pot full of curd at a certain height and groups of young men (called Govindas) form human pyramids to reach that height and break the pot. This lively event celebrates Krishna’s love for butter and brings people together in a joyous and competitive spirit.

Special performances, or Krishna Lila, are also held where children or actors reenact different episodes from Krishna’s life. These dramatizations often feature Krishna’s playful interactions with the gopis and his role in epic tales like the Mahabharata.

Final Word

Celebrating Janmashtami brings us closer to the heart of Lord Krishna's timeless charm and wisdom. This festival is more than just a religious occasion; it’s a joyful celebration of Krishna's life and the values he represents. So as you celebrate, take a moment to reflect on the joy and playfulness Krishna represents, and let his teachings inspire you to live with love and purpose.