Janmashtami commemorates the earthly appearance of Krishna, who is described in India’s sacred writings as God Himself. One of the biggest religious festivals in the world, it is celebrated by nine hundred and thirty million people around the world–and two million in the US alone. To devotees, it’s Christmas and New Year’s in one, a day of deep spiritual renewal and celebration that effectively finishes an old year and begins a fresh one.
But why Janmashtami, you may ask? What’s so special about Krishna, as opposed to any other form of God? It’s His personableness. For every devotee who offers Him love, He reciprocates in uniquely human ways. He is a mischievous son, a romantic lover, a compassionate friend. And on Janmashtami, devotees celebrate Krishna in all of these aspects. For just as Krishna reciprocates individually with His relatives and confidantes, he responds to the distinct feelings and desires held most deeply in the heart of every single worshipper.
So remember that whatever way you worship Krishna on Janmashtami, He will reciprocate with you accordingly. It’s a meditation that makes for an extremely rewarding devotional experience.
Where Vaishnava temples exist, festivities begin before dawn and extend all day until midnight, the exact moment of the anniversary of Krishna’s appearance. Events include kirtan, singing the Lord’s name along with other devotees; and japa, private, more intimate prayer. Some devotees cook a feast of over one hundred dishes, while others perform drama and dance. Some clothe and decorate the deity of Krishna while others string enormous flower garlands and other decorations for the temple. Incense burns, scriptures are read, and all but the young and the infirm fast all day. The deities are also bathed with a variety of auspicious liquids in a kind of ablution ceremony called abhisheka. Sometimes taking over two hours, this is performed with great pomp.
Finally, at midnight, priests pull apart the curtains to reveal the freshly dressed deity of Krishna on a creatively festooned and colored altar. The excitement builds, and a rousing kirtan ensues.
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But what if you don’t live near a temple? What if you can’t make it to a major celebration Does that mean you can’t observe Janmashtami? Of course not. It is our sincere devotion that pleases Krishna most, and this can be offered anywhere. So to help you feel more connected to the Lord and His devotees on this special day, here are Krishna.com’s tips on how to celebrate Janmashtami at home:
As you celebrate Janmashtami, remember that just as we enjoy the attention and fun on our birthday, so the Lord also enjoys our attention and gifts on His appearance day. The difference between us and Krishna is that He is able to reciprocate perfectly with each one of us. In the transcendental realm, everything that we offer to the Lord with love and devotion will benefit us unlimitedly, and those benefits will stay with us for eternity.
I try to meditate on how auspicious and unique the day is. But the highlight for me is greeting the deities at midnight. After fasting and doing other austerities throughout the day, it’s a dramatic reward. You see the deities every day, but this day is special.
—Yamaraja dasa, BTG design/layout
I go to the temple and attend the programs there. I particularly like to participate in the kirtana.
—Ijya dasa, Store Manager
I love to bake a birthday cake for Krishna, and make it really fancy by decorating it. I dress the deities in their new outfits. And of course I try to chant extra rounds.
—Lokasaksini dasi, Customer Service
When we lived in North Carolina, my whole family would get together and cook about twenty-five small preparations for the deities. That was lots of fun. Also, if Janmashtami falls on a school day, I’ll wear a sari to school.
—Lila Sadkin, BBT copyrights
Janmashtami’s all about the kirtanas for me. There’s something electrifying about them on that day. I love dancing and roaring the holy name as loud as I can. I also like hearing new stories about Krishna that I’ve never heard before, and acting in the dramas.
—Madhava Smullen, Staff writer/editor
I like spending as much time as I can at the temple.
—Ganga Sutton, BTG Circulation
I really like listening to bhajanas, and getting into the mood of them. I also love that moment when the curtains open and I see the deities in their brand new outfit.
—Shanti Day, BTG Circulation/customer service
I like to do bhajanas with all my friends; it’s a fun way to glorify Krishna.
—Balarama Bosch, programmer/website developer
I like to make garlands, and help in the kitchen. My dad used to make the Janmashtami feast every year, and I would help. I guess that’s what makes it special for me. Also, there’s usually a lot of people in the kitchen, which makes it fun. Hot work, but fun.
—Jivana Wilholt, website
I do abisheka for the deities, and dress them in their new outfits. I try to cook something special, and offer it to the deities. And I always look forward to the temple programs, especially the kirtans. And of course the feast—it’s always sumptuous!
—Sathya Sikdar, website
I like to chant a lot of extra rounds—all day if I can!
—Pranada dasi, website