As one of the most cherished festivals in Hindu culture, Janmashtami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, celebrated with devotion and grandeur across India. This year, on August 26, 2024, Lord Krishna’s 5251st birth anniversary will be observed with a myriad of rituals and festivities. Here are some interesting facts about Janmashtami that add even more excitement to this beloved festival.
Lord Krishna is believed to have been born at midnight, and therefore, Janmashtami celebrations often begin at night. Devotees gather in temples, sing bhajans (devotional songs), and perform aarti (ritual worship) as the clock strikes 12. The deity is bathed in milk and adorned with new clothes and jewelry, followed by the ceremonial swinging of the cradle (jhulan) that symbolizes Krishna’s birth.
While Janmashtami is a major festival in India, it’s celebrated with equal fervor worldwide. Countries like New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, the United States, and even Poland, witness grand celebrations on this day. The Hindu diaspora in these regions brings the festival to life with traditional customs, prayers, and festivities.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), widely recognized as the Hare Krishna movement, has its roots in New York City, not India. Founded with the mission of spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna, ISKCON has grown into a global phenomenon. Today, it maintains over 150 temples in India, with its headquarters in Mayapur, West Bengal. On Janmashtami, ISKCON temples worldwide hold special celebrations, with many in India streaming the festivities live.
It might surprise you to learn that Janmashtami is a national holiday in Bangladesh. This year, the holiday falls on Monday, August 26, 2024. Despite the ongoing concerns and unrest, the festivities continue to spread its charm.
Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is known by an astonishing 108 names. From Ghanshyam and Govind to Mohan and Hari, each name reflects a different aspect of his divine personality. These names are chanted in hymns and bhajans, filling the air with devotion on Janmashtami.
Among the many legends surrounding Lord Krishna, one of the most intriguing is that he had 16,108 wives. According to mythology, Krishna rescued 16,100 women from the demon Narakasura. When their families refused to accept them, Krishna married them all to protect their honor, adding to his already divine stature.
Janmashtami is celebrated during the Ashtami tithi, the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This year, the Ashtami period begins on August 26, 2024, at 3:41 AM and ends on August 27, 2024, at 2:22 AM. Devotees eagerly await the midnight hour, believed to be the exact moment of Lord Krishna’s birth, to offer their prayers.
In Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir is set to become the tallest religious monument in the world. This grand temple, dedicated to Krishna, will further enhance the spiritual aura of Mathura, making it an even more significant pilgrimage site for devotees.
As Janmashtami 2024 approaches, these fascinating facts about the festival and Lord Krishna add layers of depth and intrigue to the celebrations. Whether you’re fasting, praying, or simply enjoying the festive spirit, there’s no denying the joy and devotion that this day brings. Happy Janmashtami!
