Krishna Janmashtami 2023, a cherished Hindu festival, commemorates the birth of Shri Krishna. Celebrated on September 6 and 7, this two-day celebration involves early morning rituals like cleaning homes, dressing Laddoo Gopal Ji, and offering sweets and prayers. It falls on the Ashtami Tithi in the Bhadrapada month and holds immense significance for Krishna devotees worldwide. Rohini Nakshatra, marking Lord Krishna’s earthly arrival, adds to its importance. This festival unites Hindus in devotion to Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born under challenging circumstances. In summary, Krishna Janmashtami 2023 is a festival of profound spiritual and cultural importance celebrated over two days with devotion and rituals.

Why do we celebrate Janmashtami?

Lord Krishna was born on this particular day; that’s why we celebrate this day as Janmashtami.

Krishna Janmashtami 2023, a momentous occasion for Hindus, marks the birth anniversary of Shri Krishna. This year, the festivities span two consecutive days, September 6 and 7, 2023. The essence of this celebration begins with early morning rituals, including the thorough cleaning of homes and puja rooms. The highlight is the adorning of Laddoo Gopal Ji in fresh attire and jewelry, accompanied by the presentation of delectable sweets and panchamrit. The air resonates with devotional songs and the rhythmic chanting of mantras, enriching the festival's spirit. It falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha during the Bhadrapada month.

Krishna Janmashtami holds immense significance among Hindus, uniting Krishna Bhaktas worldwide in homage to Shri Krishna's birth anniversary. This auspicious day marks the divine birth of Lord Krishna, occurring on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month. The prominence of Rohini Nakshatra during this time underscores its importance, symbolizing the earthly arrival of Lord Krishna. In 2023, Krishna Janmashtami extends across September 6 and 7.

These two days are a testament to devotion and reverence for Lord Krishna, cherished by devotees from every corner of the globe. The celebration unitesAs the Ashtami Tithi will begin on September 6 at 03:37 PM and end on September 7, 2023, at 04:14 PM, and as we all know, Lord Krishna was born on the Ashtami Tithi, the festival of Janmashtami will be observed for two days. Beginning on September 6 at 9:20 AM and lasting until 10:25 AM on September 7, Rohini Nakshatra is a lunar cycle. Thus, taking into account Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi, Janmashtami will be observed on September 6, 2023. The 2023 Dahi Handi ceremony will take place on September 7th.

Celebration of Janmashtami: Importance

Hindus place a lot of significance on Krishna Janmashtami. The nation as a whole celebrates this day with amazing splendour. All people revere Lord Krishna, who is believed to be Lord Vishnu’s eighth incarnation. Vasudeva and Devaki Mata gave birth to him. Mother Devaki gave birth to Lord Krishna at midnight while they were being held captive by the demon Kansa, which was the worst possible situation. Kansa was Lord Krishna’s maternal uncle; later, Lord Krishna murdered him.

Krishna Janmashtami: Rituals for the PujaEarly in the morning, people get out of bed and bathe. Both their home and the puja room are cleaned. Set up flowers, balloons, and lights in the puja room.Laddoo Gopal Ji is bathed and dressed in new clothing, Mukut, Mor Pankh, and jewellery.

Offer flowers, a variety of sweets, panchamrit, and chandan tilak.On this auspicious day, worshippers chant devotional songs and recite Bhagavad Gita shlokas.People take great satisfaction and happiness in celebrating this day. Exactly why do we observe Janmashtami?

Because Lord Krishna was born on this specific day, we celebrate it as Janmashtami

The puja rituals on Janmashtami include an early morning bath, cleaning of the house and puja room with decorations, bathing and dressing Laddoo Gopal Ji, offering flowers, sweets, panchamrit, and chandan tilak, singing devotional songs, and reciting Bhagavad Gita shlokas. The day is marked by joy and devotion.

In summary, Janmashtami 2023 is a two-day celebration of Lord Krishna's birth, observed with fervor and devotion by Hindus worldwide, highlighting the significance and rituals that make this festival a cherished occasion.

By : Sunil Kumar, Attingal