Janmashtami Celebrations: Puja, Bhajan, Kirtan and more!
The one god who stands as the epitome of divine love, philosophy and righteousness is Shri Krishna Vasudev. We all have grown up listening to his tales, of his bravery and love. And his birth anniversary is an occasion for us to rekindle that – love and righteousness. Janmashtami is the celebration of the birth of Shri Krishna, the avatar or incarnation of Narayan. He was born to rid the earth of evil by killing Kansa, as the eighth child of Devaki, Kansa’s sister. It is a story of good triumphing over evil. No matter what, Adharma perishes, just like it happened in the Mahabharata.
The Janmashtami celebration is observed throughout India and in other countries as well. It is celebrated in countries like the USA as well, where ISKON has played a prominent role in spreading Vaishnavism.
There are so many ways in which people show their love and devotion for Shri Krishna. From Holi of Colours in Vrindavan, Dahi Handi in Maharashtra, to Janmashtami Puja almost everywhere in India, and with children performing Rasleela. So, everyone participates in their own way, from school to home.
Let us discuss some of the prominent ways of celebrating Janmashtami which you can become part of:
Dahi Handi
Perhaps the most fun one!
Krishna is also known as Makhan Chor. Since he was a kid, he used to steal it, one of his many Leelas. When he used to get caught, Yashoda Maa punished him. In Vrindavan, women started to hang Dahi Matki at heights so that Bal Gopal couldn’t reach out. But all their efforts were futile; Krishna, along with his friends, was successful in stealing them. This is how the tradition of Dahi Handi started as a way to celebrate his birth.
Dahi Handi is celebrated with so much enthusiasm. People compete for it on the streets in Dahi Handi competitions, prominently in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Janmashtami Puja
It is believed that all desires can be fulfilled by celebrating this festival. By performing Janmashtami puja, people with weak moons can get benefits.
Keep in mind that the Janmashtami puja is not only a ritual but a sincere encounter with the Bhagwan as you conduct it.
Bhajan and Kirtan
Especially at midnight, devotees listen to the bhajan of Shri Krishna and Radha-Rani. They recite his tales of childhood, wherein he defeated the demons sent by Kansa to kill him. It also includes the famous tale of Krishna lifting Govardhan Parvat on his finger to save Brajvasi from heavy rains sent by angry Indra. And of course, the tales of Kanha and his favourite, Radha, are included. The whole night, devotees stay awake and perform kirtan.
Since Krishna was born at midnight on Ashtami of Krishna Paksha in Bhardapada, his birth is celebrated at midnight in temples. Devotees first wash him with milk, then dress up the idol in beautiful clothing. He is also placed in a jhula. The swing, or jhula, is decorated with flowers. You can use Vajiyanti flowers for that. It is said that a person who makes the Kanha swing in a cradle gets all his manokamana fulfilled.
Janmashtami Vrat
Observing a fast on the occasion of Janmashtami paves the way to Moksha. As per Shashtras, the fast of Janmashtami is the fast of fasts, i.e., Vrat Raja. And it is said that fasting on this day is equal to 1000 Ekadashi Vrats.
The devotees can break the fast only after the Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtimi Tithi are over the next day. And most importantly, do it with pure devotion and good intentions.
However, if you are having health issues, you should refrain from performing fast and do that next year.
Phoolon ki Holi
Janmashtami celebration is incomplete without mentioning the Phoolon ki Holi (Holi with Flowers) of Vrindavan. It is world-famous. Devotees from so many countries participate in it. The entire city of Vrindavan gets lost in the consciousness of Kanha. And the whole city gets coloured in the colours of devotion. Devotees from faraway places visit places like Dwarka and Mathura to pay a visit to their beloved Kanha.
Elaborately Decorated Jhaki
Temples and homes are even decorated with Jhaki. Devotees come up with creative Janmashtami decoration ideas at home. These include illustrations from Kanha’s lifetime.
Also, Bal Gopal is famous for playing with calves. He is known as Gwala. So, you can also bring idols of calves and cows as well.
Temples are specially decorated with flowers and lights. You can use flowers like chameli and mogra to decorate your jhaki, along with decorative lights. You can also make rangoli at your place.
Amidst the colours of devotion and the melody of love, Janmashtami heralds the eternal presence of Bhagwan Shri Krishna in our hearts. In the hustle of life, we sometimes lose touch with our inner consciousness. And what better day is there to rekindle that consciousness than the day of eternal celebration, good over evil?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of lighting may I use for Janmashtami decoration?
A: In addition to simple lights, you can try some new things, such as:
- Diya Clusters: To give your home a cosy, vintage glow, group your Diyas together in groups.
- String lights: To add a festive touch to your decor, choose string lights with warm yellow or gold tones.
- Lanterns: For a magical impression, hang decorative lanterns near your puja area or on your outside patio.
Q: Are there any simple Janmashtami decoration ideas at home that are eco-friendly?
A: In order to have an eco-friendly Janmashtami decoration at home, you can try the following:
- Rangoli made with natural materials, such as flower petals, leaves, and coloured rice, is known as biodegradable rangoli.
- Use handmade clay Diyas rather than plastic ones to lessen your influence on the environment.
- Plant Décor: For a revitalising and environmentally friendly atmosphere, incorporate potted plants and fresh flowers.
