Festival
Krishna Janmashtami
The midnight birth of Krishna — fasting, jhankis, and Dahi Handi at dawn.
Significance
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, born at midnight in Kansa's prison in Mathura. Devotees fast through the day and keep vigil singing bhajans until the midnight hour, when the infant Krishna is bathed, dressed and rocked in a cradle.
Homes build jhankis — tableaux of Gokul — and temples overflow. In Maharashtra the next morning brings Dahi Handi, human pyramids breaking pots of curd the way young Krishna and his friends stole butter.
How it is celebrated
- Observe a fast until midnight, Krishna's birth hour.
- Bathe and dress the infant Krishna (Bal Gopal) and rock the cradle.
- Sing bhajans and recite the Krishna Aarti at midnight.
- Prepare makhan-mishri and panjiri as bhog.
- Join or watch Dahi Handi celebrations the next day.
Prayers for Krishna
English
Shree Krishna Aarti (1)
Hari Chala Mandira Aisha Mhanati
English
Shree Krishna Aarti (2)
Om jai shree Shyam hare,
English
Shree Krishna Aarti (3)
Aarti Yugalkishore Ki Kijay ।
English
Shree Krishna Aarti (4)
Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki,
English
Shree Krishna Aarti (5)
Jay Shreekrshn Hare, Prabhu Jay Shreekrshn Hare ।
English
Shree Krishna Aarti (6)
Aaratee Baal Krshn Kee Keejai,
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