It’s fascinating to note that Krishna Janmashtami is observed as a National Holiday in Bangladesh, underscoring its cultural significance. However, its celebration extends far beyond national borders. Worldwide, people commemorate Janmashtami with fasting, prayer, and grand festivities. The anticipation of celebrating the Lord’s birth at the stroke of midnight adds to the festival’s unique charm. These spirited customs, including the breaking of the Dahi Handi and the mesmerizing Ras Leela performances, encapsulate the joy and devotion associated with Janmashtami, making it a cherished and celebrated festival around the globe.
ISKCON has its foundations in New York City
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a prominent organisation devoted to Lord Krishna, was founded in New York City. Today, there are more than 150 temples maintained by ISKCON in India. Mayapur in West Bengal serves as its headquarters. Internationally, ISKCON is known by its alternative name, the Hare Krishna movement. This movement is highly characterised by chanting Lord Krishna’s name. It’s also said to be a spiritually uplifting experience. ISKCON centres all over the world celebrate Janmashtami.
Countries outside India celebrate Janmashtami too
There’s a large community of Hindus that reside in countries like New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Canada. So these countries celebrate Janmashtami for this reason. The fervour and fanfare of the festival also come to life in London, Poland, and the US on the day celebrated to mark Lord Krishna’s birth. Speaking of international temples.
Janmashtami counts as a National Holiday in Bangladesh
Indeed, Janmashtami holds special significance in Bangladesh, where it is recognized as a National Holiday. This acknowledgment underscores the cultural and religious importance of the festival. On this auspicious day, devotees in Bangladesh, like in other parts of the world, engage in fervent prayers, cultural performances, and festive celebrations to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. It serves as a unifying occasion that brings communities together in the spirit of devotion and festivity.
Lord Krishna has 108 names
We all have our nicknames, sometimes one too many! But Lord Krishna has a whopping 108 names. Some of his names are Ghanshyam, Govind, Mohan, Hari, and Baanke Bihari. Vasudeva, Devakinandan, Shyam, Devesh are some others. His numerous names reflect in all the hymns and bhajans devotees sing on the occasion of Janmashtami.
The Lord has 16,108 wives
Beyond Lord Krishna’s name, there’s another fascinating facts to his story: Lord Krishna apparently has 16,108 wives. This intriguing detail originates from a mythological tale where Lord Krishna rescued 16,100 women from the clutches of the malevolent spirit Narakasura. When these women returned, their families hesitated to accept them. In a remarkable gesture to preserve their honor, Lord Krishna married each one of them. This anecdote adds depth to Lord Krishna’s legend, highlighting his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the dignity and well-being of others.