Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great
devotion in the August and September months, on the Ashtami of Krishna
Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon, in
the whole of north India. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated
and lit. An attractive feature of the celebrations is cribs & other
decorations depicting stories of Lord Krishna's birth childhood. There
are five main "jhankis" of Janmashtami, which depict the
entire sequence of events from Lord Krishna's birth to his being
discovered in Gokul. The "jhankis" are decorated and include
the birth of Krishna in jail, Vasudev carrying Krishna to safety across
the river Yamuna amidst thunder and lightning, Vasudev's return to the
jail, Kansa killing Yashoda's daughter and finally the little Krishna in
the cradle in Gokul. "Jhankis" are created out of dolls
dressed up as kids, men and women with lehangas, chunnis, dhotis &
kurtas. Raslila of every type are also performed - Janmlila,
Shankarlila, Putnalila and Naglila. In the evening bhajans are sung
which end at midnight, the auspicious moment when Lord Krishna was born.
Thereafter arti is done, prasad distributed and flowers showered on the
idol.
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, celebrates the festival with
great grandeur and devotion. The main celebrations are performed at the
Dwarkadhish temple, Mathura in the form of Jhulanotsava and the Ghatas
during the entire month of Shravan. The ghatas are a unique feature of
the month long celebrations. During the ghatas of a particular color the
whole temple is covered with decoration in the same color. Even the Lord
dresses up in the same color. The twin cities of Mathura-Vrindavan take
on a festive look and spirit of devotion runs high among the people. It
was on the banks of the Yamuna river where Lord Krishna played during
his childhood and indulged in pranks and tricks with his friends and the
gopies. There are about four temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in this
sacred city and the major festivities are held at the Banke Bihari,
Rangaji, Shri Krishna Balram temple and Gopinath temple. The Raslila of
Braj is thematically the basis of many performing arts. The Rangaji
temple, Vrindavan, is also the venue for the annual Rath Mela. The
chariot of Lord Rangaji is taken out from the temple with great
enthusiam by thousands of devotees. The temples of Vrindavan witness an
extravagant and colorful celebration on this occasion. Devotional songs
and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over
Northern India.
