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Janmashtami
marks the celebration of Lord Krishna's birthday. Krishna, the eighth
incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the eighth child of his parents, was
born at midnight in a prison on the eigth day of the dark fortnight
of Bhadrapada (August-September). Krishna's father Vasudev and his
mother Devaki (sister of Kamsa) had been imprisoned by Kamsa, the
demon king of Mathura.
After astrologers announced that he would be killed by a son born
to his sister Devaki, Kamsa killed each of
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her first seven children soon after they were born.He
also imprisoned Devaki and her husband in order to ensure that every child
born was killed and that none would escape.
At the time of Krishna was born, the prison guards, fell asleep and Vasudeva,
Krishna's father, managed to steal the baby out of prison. Vasudeva took
Krishna to Gokula where he was exchanged for the baby daughter of Yashoda
and Nanda. Vasudeva returned to the prison with the baby girl. When Kamsa
was informed that a girl, not a boy was born to Devaki, he decided to
kill even this girl. When Kamsa took the girl in his hands and tried to
strike her against the ground, the girl slipped away from his hands and
flew into the sky announcing, "Kamsa, the savior of the earth is alredy
born and he will soon kill you." Meanwhile, in Gokula the cowherd family
of Yashoda and Nanda brought up Krishna, who eventually killed King Kamsa.
Krishna's birthday, the most popular festival among Hindus, is celebrated
with great festivity. The entire day and evening is filled with religious
activities that include dancing, offering prayers, and singing bhajans
in homes and nearby temples. Some devotees also fast on Janmashtami. Throughout
India, especially at Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna was born and
spent his early childhood, colorful plays are staged to depict the popular
episodes of Krishna's childhood. The festivities continue until the clock
strikes midnight, at which time Krishna's birth is celebrated by momentarily
turning off all lights. Following this event, sweets and fruits are distributed,
concluding the celebration of Janmashtami.
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2001 Vandemataram.com All rights reserved.
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