Spirit of Janmashtami in Telugu states

Krishnashtami is the annual celebration of the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, born in Dwapara Yuga.

It is celebrated with great fervour in India on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapad (August-September) in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated in the evening as Lord Krishna was born at midnight. Krishnashtami is also named as Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, Sree Jayanti, Krishna Janmashtami or simply Janmashtami.

Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, also known as Makhanchor and Kanha, who was born to king Vasudev and Mata Deviki, in the prison of kansa, a demon king, on a dark, stormy and windy night when moon entered the house of vrishabha in the Rohini nakshatram to end the rule of adharma and establish peace, prosperity and religion on the earth.

His preaching in Bhagavad Gita, the holy text of Hindu religion is still a guiding light for the followers of the religion. Thus as per the birth of Lord Krishna, Janmashtami is celebrated every year. In this day, children would be dressed up alike Krishna visiting neighbors and friends.

Floors would be decorated with Kolams (footprints of Lord Krishna drawn with rice batter) from the threshold of house to the temple, which depicts the arrival of Lord Krishna into the house. Various recipes are offered to Lord Krishna including fruits, betel and butter.

Murukkus, Seedai and other recepies made with milk and curd are prepared with care as is the favorite dishes of Lord Krishna. The teams of young people irrespective of gender and age would participate in the game of breaking the hanging pot of butter reaching heights.

The dramatic enactments of the life of Krishna, Rasa Lila are a special feature in many regions which re-creates the flirtatious aspects of Krishna’s youthful days. His playful and mischievous side will be shown in the play.

Recitation of shlokas and other such devotional songs are the characteristics of this festival especially in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States. A recitation of Bhagavad Gita is also a popular practice and people observe fast.

According to the ISKON acharya Vedanta Chaitanya Dasa, “Sri Krishna Puja will begin at 3:55 am on September 5 in Nampally. Around one lakh devotees are expected to visit the temple.

Sri Krishna Mela, Mahabhishekam and special sevas would be performed this year. The temple would be reverberated with cultural events and special pujas. Bhagavad Darshan Seva, Archana Seva, Vastra Alankara Seva and Chappan Bhog Seva, offering 56 variety of food items, would be performed on the occasion.”

By Sindhura Dharmasanam