Everything You Need To Know About The Janmashtami 2023

The holy festival of Janmashtami is celebrated annually with much pomp across the nation. Also known as Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, Krishnasthami, and Krishna Janmashtami, the festival falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad.

However, this year, there is confusion around the accurate date for the celebrations. Lord Krishna’s devotees are confused about whether to mark Janmashtami on September 6 or 7 this year. So, we decided to help you to find the correct date to celebrate this auspicious day. Find all the details inside.

Krishna Janmashtami is marked on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada. Hindu mythology states that Krishna was born in the Rohini Nakshatra on this day. According to Drik Panchang, Janmashtami will fall on consecutive days this year because Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi are falling during the night on Janmashtami.

While Ashtami Tithi will start at 3:37 pm on September 6 and end on September 7 at 4:14 pm, Rohini Nakshatra will begin at 9:20 am on September 6 and conclude at 10:25 am on September 7. Thus, Janmashtami will be observed on both days. While Janmashtami is on September 6, Dahi Handi celebrations will take place on September 7.

Janmashtami 2023 Shubh Muhurat:

According to Drik Panchang, theNishita Puja timeis from 11:57 pm to 12:42 am on September 7. Thus, the auspicious time for the worship on Janmashtami starts at 11:57 pm. The birth anniversary and worship of Laddu Gopal will be till 12.42 midnight. The Parana time will be at 4:14 pm on September 7.

Janmashtami Celebrations

1. Fasting and Devotion: Devotees observe fasting throughout the day until midnight, the supposed time of Lord Krishna’s birth. The fast is broken after the midnight celebrations, symbolizing the end of darkness and the emergence of light.

1. Midnight Celebrations: The midnight hour is the highlight of Janmashtami. Devotees gather in temples to sing devotional songs, recite stories of Lord Krishna, and perform aarti (a ritual of offering light) to welcome the divine child. The moment of Lord Krishna’s birth is marked with great joy and enthusiasm, accompanied by the ringing of bells and the blowing of conch shells.

1. Dahi Handi: In some parts of India, especially in Maharashtra, a fun-filled tradition called “Dahi Handi” takes place. Young men and women form human pyramids to break a pot filled with butter or curd, which is tied at a great height. This reenacts the mischievous nature of Lord Krishna, who was fond of stealing butter as a child.

2. Bhajans and Kirtans: Devotional songs and hymns dedicated to Lord Krishna, known as bhajans and kirtans, are sung by devotees. These melodies are an integral part of the celebration, creating a spiritual and joyous atmosphere.

3. Temples and Home Decorations: Temples and homes are beautifully decorated with flowers, rangoli (colorful patterns created with colored powders), and images of Lord Krishna. Devotees create small cradles with idols of Lord Krishna as a baby and offer various sweets and fruits as offerings.

4. Cultural Programs: Janmashtami also serves as a platform for showcasing Indian culture through dance dramas, skits, and cultural performances depicting the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.

Significance of Janmashtami

Janmashtami holds immense significance in Hinduism and offers valuable lessons for life:

1. Triumph of Good Over Evil: The birth of Lord Krishna symbolizes the victory of righteousness over wickedness, as he ultimately defeated King Kamsa and established dharma (righteousness) in the world.

2. Devotion and Love: Lord Krishna’s teachings emphasize devotion and love for God. His relationship with his devotees, especially Radha, exemplifies the divine love that transcends worldly attachments.

3. Simplicity and Playfulness: Lord Krishna’s childhood antics, such as stealing butter and playing the flute, remind us of the importance of maintaining childlike innocence and simplicity while navigating the complexities of life.