Janmashtami commemorates the birth of the Hindu god Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver god. As a god, Krishna is well known for his playful exploits as a child, his love and devotion to Radha, and his bravery in destroying evil. He is often pictured playing his flute, called a murali, or with his pet cow.

Krishna’s birth and life are recorded in the Hindu sacred text, the Mahabharata. According to the Mahabharata, at the time of Krishna’s birth, ruled and evil king, Kamsa. The king received a prophecy from heaven that told him that his sister’s son would someday destroy him. Kamsa had his sister, Princess Devaki, and her husband Prince Vasudeva, imprisoned. He vowed to kill their child when it was born. When baby Krishna was born, the prison doors flew open. Prince Vasudeva was able to carry his son out of the prison, across the Yamuna River (which miraculously parted), and into the land of Gokul. He then left his son with Yashoda, to be secretly raised as a cowherder. As a child Krishna was very playful, often pulling pranks or tricks on his friends the cow herdesses known as gopikaas. When Krishna grew older he defeated many of Kamsa’s demons, and eventually defeated Kamsa, ridding the earth of a great evil.

For the holiday, homes are decorated by setting up a scene depicting Krishna’s birth. The scene is centered around a brass, gold, or plaster baby Krishna in a cradle. Sometimes the cradle is decorated with flowers or garland. The cradle is surrounded by figurines of the various people in the story of Krishna’s birth. Since Krishna was raised as a cow herder, the traditional holiday meals will contain a variety of dairy dishes. Sweets are also prepared for the children.

Many temples will have a late night service commemorating Krishna’s birth. Traditional Mantras are sung at midnight. In some services, baby Krishna is ceremoniously washed and placed into the cradle.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

Hindu Observances