Happy Janmashtami! Today is a special day to celebrate the birth of lord Krishna, one of the most revered gods in Hinduism. He was born approximately 5,000 years ago and is considered to be an incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Lord Krishna is known for his wisdom, compassion, and playful nature, and he remains an important figure in Indian culture today. So take a moment to honor this beloved god and enjoy all the festivities this special day has to offer!
The story of lord Krishna’s birth
The story of lord Krishna’s birth is recounted in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. According to legend, Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura (present-day Uttar Pradesh). However, his life was threatened by his uncle, Kansa, who had been told by a prophecy that Devaki’s eighth child would kill him. In order to save her son’s life, Devaki and Vasudeva snuck Krishna away to Gokula (present-day Mathura district), where he was raised by his foster parents, Yashoda and Nanda.
Krishna grew up to be a powerful and skilled warrior. He played an important role in the Mahabharata war, leading the Pandavas to victory against their enemies, the Kauravas. He is also said to have delivered the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text, to Arjuna on the battlefield.
After a long and eventful life, Krishna is believed to have finally ascended to heaven. His birth is celebrated each year on Janmashtami.
How is Janmashtami usually celebrated?
On Janmashtami, temples and homes are decorated with lights and flowers. Devotees fast and offer prayers to lord Krishna. Many also stay up all night to sing devotional songs and recite stories from the life of Krishna.
In some regions, Janmashtami is celebrated with a special ceremony known as Dahi Handi. A pot of yogurt (dahi) is hung high up from a pole, and teams of young men (gopalakas) try to break it by forming human pyramids. The festival ends with a grand feast, featuring Krishna’s favorite foods, such as butter and sweets.
Janmashtami is a joyous occasion that is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. It is a day to remember lord Krishna’s birth and to reflect on his teachings. So take part in the festivities and enjoy all that this special day has to offer!
Foods that are typically eaten on Janmashtami
There are a variety of foods that are typically eaten on Janmashtami. These include butter and sweets, as these are two of Krishna’s favorite foods. Fasting is also common during this time, as devotees offer prayers to lord Krishna. However, the exact food items that are eaten can vary depending on region and personal preference. So whether you’re feasting or fasting, be sure to enjoy all the delicious food this special day has to offer!
Quotes about lord Krishna that will inspire you
1. “The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well. For him who has conquered his mind, his mind acts like a friend; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind remains the greatest enemy.” – Lord Krishna
2. “One whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrenders to the sense of false ownership and thus becomes enslaved by the force of lust.” – Lord Krishna
3. “From anger arise delusion, confusion of memory, loss of reason, and all bad qualities. From delusion arise bewilderment, mental weakness and doubt.” – Lord Krishna
4. “The wise see knowledge and action as one; they see truly.” – Lord Krishna
5. “There is nothing so dear to Me as loving service offered with single-hearted devotion.” – Lord Krishna
6. “The happiness which comes from long practice, which leads to the end of suffering, which at first is like poison, but in the end is like nectar – this kind of happiness arises from the serenity of one’s own mind.” – Lord Krishna
7. “Those who are free from attachment, who are freed from the dualities of pleasure and pain, and who has attained inner peace, live in bliss.” – Lord Krishna
8. “I am the taste of water, the light of the sun and the moon, the sound of the Vedas, Om in all sacred formulas.” – Lord Krishna
9. “I am death, which overcomes all things, and the source of all beings yet I am birthless. I am immortality and I am also declared to be sin.” – Lord Krishna
10. “I give light to the whole world. I am the self-existent one. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings. I am Vāsudeva.” – Lord Krishna
Conclusion
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. It is typically celebrated with lights, flowers, and prayers. Many people also stay up all night to sing devotional songs and recite stories from Lord Krishna’s life. The exact food items that are eaten can vary depending on region and personal preference. So whether you’re feasting or fasting, be sure to enjoy all the delicious food this special day has to offer! Happy Janmashtami!
