BPM Janmashtami

Janmashtami: The Celebration of Krishna’s Birth

Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is a vibrant Hindu festival that marks the birth of Shree Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September), it is a day filled with devotion, joy, and cultural richness.

Janma means “birth.” Ashtami means “eighth.” Together, Janmashtami literally signifies “the eighth day of birth,” referring to Krishna’s arrival on the eighth lunar day of the dark fortnight.

According to the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna was born at midnight in a prison cell in Mathura. His parents, Devaki and Vasudeva, were incarcerated by Devaki’s brother, King Kamsa. His birth is seen as the arrival of divine hope and righteousness in a time of darkness. Devotees observe the day with fasting, singing devotional songs, and reenacting scenes from Krishna’s life, especially his mischievous childhood in Vrindavan.

One of the most iconic traditions in Maharashtra is Dahi Handi, where young men form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high above the ground—symbolising Krishna’s love for butter and his playful spirit. Temples and homes are decorated with flowers and lights, and at midnight, idols of baby Krishna are bathed, dressed, and placed in cradles to mark the moment of his birth.

Janmashtami is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of love, faith, and the eternal charm of Krishna’s teachings.

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Contact Ashwin Parmar via email: ashwin.parmar@bpmsamaj.org.uk OR call on 07712 787927