KRISHNA ASTAMI
The festival of Krishna Ashtami marks the
birth of Lord Krishna, one of the ten incarnations of Hindu Lord Vishnu. The
Hindu community in Nepal celebrates this festival with lot of fanfare. Devotees
of Lord Krishna observe fast, consuming only fruits and milk products. They
visit temples in huge numbers to have the darshan of their lord.
Fast
Facts
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Month
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September
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Nature
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Hindu
Festival
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Celebrated On
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7th
day of the dark lunar fortnight in August or September
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Reason of Celebration
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Birth
Anniversary of Lord Krishna
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Who is Krishna?
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Lord Krishna is
regarded as the 8th avatar or 'incarnation' of Lord Vishnu. Krishna belonged
to the Vrishni clan (yadu vansa) of Yadavas from Mathura. He was the eighth
son of King Vasudev and Queen Devaki of Mathura. He was born exactly at
midnight. His incarnation took place to end the ill doings of his wicked
maternal uncle Kansa. He was biological child of Vasudev
and Devaki, but he was brought up by Nanda and Yasoda Maiya.
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Krishna’s childhood is full of fun and
love. His youth is romantic and example of love and friendship with Gopis and
Gopinies. He was married to Rukmani. His beloved Gopini was Radha
Krishna has very important role in Holy
Battle of Mahabharata. He was the Chariot Rider of Arjun. He was the main
character who supported Pandavs against Kauravs to win the holy war. His holy
advices are known as Bhagwat Gita, where he teaches Arjun about Dharma and Paap
(Sin). He did not physically take part in the battle, but he was the heart and
soul of Pandavs. The pandavs had never won the war without his help.
He is worshiped with so many names:
Krishna, Murari, Hari, Gopal, Shyam, Nanda Lala, Makhan Chor and hundreds of
other names. In fact, Krishna said “you just remember me, whatever name, I will
be with you, if I know you are calling me”. He is named Krishna because he is
Dark. Krishna in Sanskrit is Dark (Black). He is regarded as inventor of
Basuri/Murali (flute). He was fond of playing flute. He always had flute in his
hand. He played his flute in Brindhaban and Mathura. It is said, the vibration
of his music is still floating in the environment of those places.
Why do we celebrate Krishna
Jansathami?
In Bhagavad Gita
Krishna says, “Whenever there is predominance of evil and decline of good
doings (religion), I will reincarnate again and again to end the evil and to
save the Dharma (good)”. Krishna Jayanti is cel ebration of victory of good and
Dharma over devil and bad power. We celebrate this day to to remember that when
the pot of sin is filled, there is an end to the devil, God will come to
rescue. Krishna Janmasthami reminds us those stories of battle between good and
evil and tells us that the good always wins.
A glimpse of celebration of Krishna
Janmasthami in Nepal
· Sri Krishna Janmastami also known as Krishna
Jayanti or Janmashtami is not only celebrated in Nepal with great vigor but
also in India, its neighboring country.
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People consider this day
an occasion great rejoicing. The 'Bhagavataam' (Bhagwat Ramayan, the story of
Lord Krishna), is recited. Rhymes are sung and devotees pray. Temples are
profusely adorned for the auspicios occasion. Kirtans are sung, the conch is
blown, bells are rung, and Sanskrit hymns are recited to admire incredible
deeds of Lord Krishna.
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Religious ceremonies
observed in Patan Durbar Square is famous all over Nepal. The devotees gather
in the temple and offer prayers, flowers, food and sweets to the Lord.
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Sacred devotional music
is played all night.
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People observe fast till
midnight. It is believed that Krishna was born at midnight.
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At midnight, devotees
throng temples to take part in the special 'Aarati'. Birth of Krishna is
relived. People sing and dance with great joy. Beautiful cradles are installed
in temples and small idols of the 'Balgopal' are placed in them.
· Some sing ancient
rhymes, others clap their hands, while some pray. Crowds of men and women edge
their way slowly up narrow steps through the seated devotees to the temple's
dark interior to where the main idol stands. There they offer flowers, coins
and food and wait for a glimpse of Krishna Janmastami festival at Krishna
Mandir the idol. After the temple priest gives them 'prasad' they make their
way home.
Happy
Krishna Janmasthami ……!!!
God Bless We All.
I learnt to believe in myself 
