People follow various religions and traditions. They have beliefs in their Gods and sing their praises. Out of the many religions in the world, Hinduism is known for the number of gods and goddesses they follow and worship. Hinduism is a religion commonly followed in Nepal and India. People of the Hindu religion celebrate many festivals and follow traditions unique in the world.
According to the beliefs, Lord Krishna is one of the most powerful avatars of Lord Vishnu. The Hindus celebrate Janmashtami for the birth of Sri Krishna.
This festival is celebrated by Hindu people all over Nepal and India. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on Ashtami tithi, the eighth day of the dark half, or Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadra (Nepali calendar). The festival falls in August- September of the English Calendar. This festival is celebrated on the birth of Lord Krishna. Various rituals and traditions are observed to please Lord Krishna.
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According to the Hindu mythologies, Lord Krishna is regarded as the 8th avatar or ‘incarnation’ of Lord Vishnu. Krishna’s parents were royals of Mathura. He was the eighth son of King Vasudev and Queen Devaki and was born on the 8th day of Dark Fortnight in the month of Bhadon/ Bhadra. After the maternal uncle Kansa imprisoned the king and queen, Krishna was born to get rid of him and his ill doings. The evil Kansa had previously gotten rid of all the offspring of the royals and was intending to get rid of the eighth son too.
The king then gave his son to his friend Nand to save him. Krishna was then bought up in a Gokul family Nanda and Yasoda. His childhood was not lonely. There are many tales about Lord Krishna’s childhood. One of the notable ones was his likings for butter. He used to steal butter from other villager’s houses too. His friends were important to him and one of them was Radha. They had a strong bond and spent time with her frequently. As he grew up, he became stronger and would later go on to slay the evil king Kansa.
Lord Krishna was known to be very fluent at playing the flute. His melodious flute would be heard all over the village and people loved it. Not only that, but Lord Krishna had also played a very important role in the Holy Battle of Mahabharata. He was the main character who supported Pandavs against Kauravs to win the holy war. His holy advice is known as Bhagwat Gita, where he teaches Arjun about Dharma and Paap (Sin).
This festival is celebrated on the occasion of Lord Krishna’s birth who came in to end evils. It is a celebration of good over evils. On the day of Lord Krishna’s birth fasting is also observed till midnight. It is celebrated mainly at midnight as he was said to be born in the night. Crowds of people are seen in temples and other religious places to worship the god.
Another community-wide tradition common in mostly India is playing with butter as a sport. A pot full of butter is placed on a high rope and people from two teams try to break the pots turn by turn. The team which breaks the pot wins the sport. It is a fun event to watch. People also decorate their houses with garlands and other ornaments.
Temples are crowded with devotees worshipping Lord Krishna. Bells ringing, mantras are all heard throughout the day. Along with the rituals, dancing and singing are also done. Some sing ancient hymns, some clap their hands, others dance, while some pray. Children too dress up as Lord Krishna and look very adorable. Schools also conduct events such as Krishna dress-up competition, etc.
The festival truly is one of the nationwide events that take place. It brings people together as they dance and sing, take part in fun events, and have good food. It brings the feeling of joy and happiness among people and gives us the lesson that good always defeats evil. The festival teaches us that being a good human and following basic morality will do us good. The festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm all over India and Nepal too.