JANMASHTAMI AT DWARKA
The Sanskrit words “Jamna” and “Ashta” translate to “birth” and “eight,” respectively. The number eight has special significance because Lord Krishna was the eighth manifestation of Lord Vishnu, the eighth child of Devaki Mata, and the eighth to be born on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in Shravana month. The celebration of Janmashtami is marked by animated ceremonies, lavish décor, and prayer offerings. Everyone participates in the celebration with great zeal, from young children to the elderly.
The entire country gathers to joyfully and enthusiastically commemorate Lord Krishna’s birthday. Kids dressed as Little Krishna are a regular sight, as are markets lined with gorgeous handis and sweet shops, people getting ready for plays (also known as Leelas), and temples decked with flowers. At Hindu shrines, verse recitations from the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana are also held on this day.
While celebrations are captivating around the nation, some locations in India merit special notes. You may experience the actual spirit of Janmashtami celebrations at these locations. Let’s look at how the Janmashtami 2022 celebrations will take place.
Start with fasting at dawn.
One of the defining and prominent facets of fasting during Janmashtami celebrations. Before the occasion, devotees only eat one meal daily to begin the fast. Only at midnight on Ashtami, when Lord Krishna was born, can they break their fast. The followers avoid eating grains and cereals all day long. Start fasting at midnight to start your day of celebration. The ones keeping the fast on Janmashtami consume milk, water, and fruit as meals. People capable of keeping a strict fast often opt not to eat anything by keeping a “Nirjala “fast. Until the fast is over at midnight after all the rituals are done, devotees refrain from drinking even a single drop of water during the day. However, most followers choose to keep a simple fast where they are allowed to eat limited food that is allowed during the fast.
Participate in kirtanas and Krishna mantra chanting
Participate in collective chants and songs of devotion. Another vital part of Janmashtami ceremonies in most temples is singing Kirtan, or songs of devotion, glorification, or praise. Sing chants or songs praising Lord Krishna in a group with other attendees. The Hare Krishna mantra is one possible chant that you could use. Participating in a group Kirtan is a particularly effective approach to harness a sense of community among those around you and is a crucial component of Janmashtami celebrations in many temples.
Decorate your temple with flowers
Prepare flower garlands and other temple decorations. The temple is decked elegantly on Janmashtami to welcome the god Krishna and create a joyous atmosphere. Participate in both religious and Joyful aspects of the event by helping to decorate the temple. The most typical Janmashtami decorations are flower garlands, but Hindu temples are also frequently decorated with hanging garlands made of leaves and balloons. If you do not typically attend temple services, you might want to enquire about the availability as the temples are flooded with devotees.
Dress up your Kids as Lord Krishna
Children dress up like Lord Krishna during Janmashtami celebrations in several regions of India and visit friends and family while carrying out this tradition. Children dressing in Krishna costumes is a popular ritual. Make Janmashtami celebrations more enjoyable for the kids by dressing them up in dhotis, crowns, and other accessories. Yellow is the most popular color for dhotis, though any celebratory hue can also be utilized. A waistline, an armband, some lightweight jewelry, and a peacock feather for the crown are a few accessories you can utilize to enhance your child’s attire.
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