Krishnna Astami Special 2074

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 

Month	September
Nature	Hindu Festival
Celebrated On	7th day of the dark lunar fortnight in August or September
Reason of Celebration	Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna

Who is Krishna?

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.

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.

·      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.

·      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.

·      Sacred devotional music is played all night.

·      People observe fast till midnight. It is believed that Krishna was born at midnight.

·      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.