Janmashtami is a popular Hindu festival celebrated every year with great enthusiasm and devotion. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Janmashtami 2023 will be celebrated on August 30, 2023, according to the Hindu calendar. In this article, we will discuss the significance of Janmashtami, its celebrations, and the auspicious Muhurat for the festival.
Significance of Janmashtami
Janmashtami is celebrated to honor the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered as the epitome of love, knowledge, and wisdom. It is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Lord Krishna’s life is full of teachings and inspirations, and his birth anniversary is celebrated to remind people of his divine teachings and to seek his blessings.
Celebrations of Janmashtami
Janmashtami is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across India. Devotees observe fasts, decorate their homes and temples, and perform various rituals and customs to honor Lord Krishna’s birth. The celebrations begin with the recitation of the holy scriptures and bhajans, followed by the traditional dahi-handi ceremony. In this ceremony, a group of people form a human pyramid to break the earthen pot (handi) filled with curd, which is tied high above the ground. The person who breaks the handi is called the “Govinda” and is rewarded with prizes.
Apart from this, devotees also perform puja and offer sweets and fruits to Lord Krishna. They also prepare special delicacies like ‘panjiri,’ ‘laddoo,’ and ‘peda’ to offer to Lord Krishna. The temples are decorated beautifully, and the idols of Lord Krishna are adorned with new clothes and jewelry.
Muhurat for Janmashtami 2023
The Muhurat for Janmashtami 2023 is as follows:
Janmashtami Date: August 30, 2023
Nishita Puja Time: 12:04 AM to 12:49 AM, August 31
Dahi Handi Ceremony: August 31, 2023
Conclusion:
Janmashtami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna and his teachings. It is a time for spiritual reflection and devotion for millions of Hindus around the world. The festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm, and it brings people together to share love, compassion, and goodwill. The Muhurat for Janmashtami 2023 is also an important aspect that devotees should keep in mind while planning their celebrations. May Lord Krishna’s blessings bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to everyone’s lives.
FAQs
Q. When is Janmashtami in 2023?
Ans. Janmashtami is expected to be celebrated on Monday, August 28, 2023.
Q. What is Janmashtami?
Ans. Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Q. Why is Janmashtami important?
Ans. Janmashtami is considered to be an important festival in Hinduism as it celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is revered as a powerful and benevolent deity. Lord Krishna’s teachings and actions are seen as a guiding light for Hindus to lead a life of righteousness and devotion.
Q. How is Janmashtami celebrated?
Ans. Janmashtami is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India and other parts of the world. Devotees observe fasts, sing devotional songs, and participate in puja (worship) ceremonies. Temples and homes are decorated with flowers and lights. The birth of Lord Krishna is also celebrated by enacting scenes from his life, known as the ‘Ras Leela’.
Q. What are some traditional foods consumed during Janmashtami?
Ans. A variety of foods are prepared and consumed during Janmashtami, including sweets such as ‘ladoos’, ‘pedas’, and ‘burfis’, as well as savoury items like ‘mathri’ and ‘namakpare’. Some communities also prepare ‘panchamrit’ (a mixture of milk, honey, curd, ghee, and sugar) as an offering to Lord Krishna.
Q. What are the key messages of Janmashtami?
Ans. Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have come to Earth to protect his devotees and uphold righteousness. The festival is a reminder to Hindus of the importance of devotion, faith, and righteousness in their lives, and the power of good over evil.