Janmashtami 2023: Discover the Reverence of this Sacred Festival in Mathura and Vrindavan, Embraced by Countless Devotees Annually.
Janmashtami 2023: The auspicious festival, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, and Krishnasthami, marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Celebrated nationwide, it falls on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi of the Hindu month of Bhadrapad. This year, per the Drik Panchang, Janmashtami spans two consecutive days from 15:37 on September 6 to 16:14 on September 7, allowing ample time for celebrations.
Devotees gather at Krishna temples at midnight on this sacred day to offer their prayers. Mathura and Vrindavan, closely associated with Lord Krishna’s birth and childhood, celebrate Janamashtmi in a distinctive way. The temples are adorned with beautiful garlands, dazzling lights, and vibrant fabrics. Explore what makes celebrating Janmashtami in Mathura and Vrindavan so special.
Celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan
The festivities begin ten days before Janmashtami with cultural and religious events like Rasleelas, Bhajans, Kirtans, and Pravachans. Rasleelas are dramatic portrayals of Krishna and Radha’s love stories, enchanting both professional artists and local worshippers. Devotees flock to Krishna temples, such as the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura, for special prayers. These temples are adorned with exquisite floral arrangements and lighting.
A significant midnight ritual known as Abhishek involves bathing the Krishna idol in milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and water, coinciding with the exact moment of Krishna’s birth. Conch shells are blown, bells are rung, and Vedic hymns are chanted during this sacred ceremony. Devotees then present Krishna with 56 different food items (Chappan Bhog) as a token of their gratitude and affection.
Another highlight is the Dahi Handi event, inspired by Krishna’s childhood mischief of stealing butter from high-hanging earthen pots. Teams of young men form human pyramids to reach and break a pot filled with yogurt or butter. This activity symbolizes loyalty, bravery, and teamwork, drawing enthusiastic applause from onlookers.
Nandotsav, celebrated the day after Janmashtami, commemorates the occasion when Krishna’s foster father, Nanda Baba, distributed gifts and sweets to the residents of Gokul to celebrate his birth. Devotees visit Nandgaon, Nanda Baba’s birthplace, to offer prayers and aid the needy. Festivities and games reflecting Krishna’s playful nature are also a part of this celebration.
Celebrating Janmashtami in Mathura and Vrindavan is a unique experience. However, the increasing number of devotees visiting these sacred sites each year necessitates careful planning and reservations for a safe and hassle-free journey. Over 8 million devotees are expected to visit Mathura for Janmashtami celebrations this year, highlighting the significance of this festival.