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Janmashtami - well known as Gokulashtami
Janmashtami is celebrated by the Hindus
Janmashtami falls on the 8th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravan according to the Hindu calendar
Mythological significance
Janmashtami is also well-known as Shree Krishna Jayanti or Gokulashtami. This is observed as the birth day of the lord Krishna, he was the 8th manifestation of lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna was born about 5000 years back in the Dwapur Yug of 28th year. The birth of lord Krishna had taken place in a jail where his demon uncle Kansa had imprisoned lord Krishna's parents. Inspite of this Krishna's father Vasudeva removed him from the jail and took him to a safe place. This festival is one of the most enjoyed festivals of Hindus. This festival comes mostly is the rainy season. When lord Krishna was born lord Vishnu known as the god of rain in his welcome showered rain as their token of love. Therefore on his birth it was raining heavily and there were heavy storms.
The birth of lord Krishna signifies the success of good over bad. Lord Krishna's charming form holding flute in his one hand is worshipped in innumerous houses of the country.
Celebration of Janmashtami
The idol of lord Krishna is given bath in the night and dressed in new cloths. The idol is decorated after that a Puja is conducted in the midnight. People design lord Krishna's idol on the ground with the help of rangoli in front of their door, this represents that lord is entering into the devotee's house and brings luck.
In Maharashtra this festival is well-known as the Dahi handi and this is celebrated with great show and pomp. People enjoy this festival as all the Mandals come together to celebrate this festival. They prepare a clay pot known as handi which is filled with buttermilk. This pot is positioned at suitable height. This pot is tied to a rope which has many other things tied to it such as fruits, money, coconut and flowers. This rope is placed at a height that can be reached easily. This group of people first play music and enjoy in that music later they form a pyramid and the person on the topmost position tries to break that handi and spill the buttermilk on everybody. These groups of youngsters are called as the Govinda's.
In recent years these groups have collected the supported of the politicians and there are competitions held for this. Some most famous Mandals are the Dadar, Lalbaug and Mazgaon.
Manipur
In Manipur this festival is well-known as the Krishna Janma; this festival is celebrated in two temples of Imphal, which is the capital city of Manipur. The 1st festival is celebrated at the Govindaji temple and the 2nd is celebrated in the Iskcon temple. There are thousands of devotees of lord Krishna who come here to see the grand celebration of their favorite lord Krishna.
Traditional food
The traditional food prepared on this occasions are the coconut seedai, buttermilk, vella seedai, Appam, fruits and avial. These are the items that were liked by the lord Krishna.
This festival is full of gaiety and joy, celebrated in almost all parts of the country.
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