Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Date, Significance, and Puja Vidhi for Lord Krishna's Birth Celebration

 Krishna Janmashtami, a significant Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, will be observed on September 6, 2023. 

    Happy Janmashtami

Lord Krishna, revered as the universal soul, is known for his remarkable deeds and teachings, including his role in rescuing Draupadi and guiding Arjuna during the Kurukshetra battle. Devotees mark this occasion by fasting, offering prayers, and adorning temples with lights and flowers. Pilgrims often flock to Mathura, Vrindavan, and Gokul, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood.

Janmashtami, a revered festival in Hinduism, commemorates Lord Krishna's birth

marking the 5250th birth anniversary of Vasudeva Krishna. It falls on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon) in the month of Bhadrapada, with the festival celebrated globally by Krishna devotees. This year, it falls on September 6, 2023.

                                    Significance

Lord Krishna is not just a deity; he is believed to be the essence within every human being. His actions include rescuing Draupadi and guiding Arjuna, emphasizing the importance of dharma (righteousness). Devotees who worship him with devotion believe he supports them through life's challenges.

Janmashtami holds immense significance in Hinduism

It celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who was born to Devki and Vasudeva but raised by Yashoda Maiya and Nand Baba. Devotees fast, offer prayers to Lord Krishna, and adorn temples with lights and flowers. Sweets and bhog prasad are prepared, and devotees buy beautiful attire and jewelry for Lord Krishna.

Celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan

Mathura, Vrindavan, and Gokul, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and performed Raas Leela, witness vibrant Janmashtami celebrations. Devotees flock to famous temples like Banke Bihari, Radha Raman, Govind Dev, and Radha Vallabh. Streets are adorned with flowers, chandeliers, and colorful lights. Temples organize cultural programs, Raas Leela, and food stalls for visiting devotees.

       Janmashtami Puja Vidhi

1. Wake up early, take a holy bath, and commit to observing a strict fast with devotion.
2. Clean the house and the puja room before commencing the rituals.
3. Bathe Laddoo Gopal Ji with plain water, gangajal, and panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar powder).
4. Adorn him with a new dress, Mukut, Mor Pankh, and flute.
5. Apply a yellow chandan tilak.
6. Place Laddoo Gopal Ji on a wooden plank covered with a cotton yellow cloth and decorate it with a flower garland.
7. Offer Tulsi Patra, Panchamrit, sweets, and five types of fruits.
8. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye" to delight Lord Krishna throughout the day.
9. At midnight, the nation celebrates Lord Krishna's birthday, chanting "Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki."
10. Offer bhog prasad consisting of fruits mixed with dry dhaniya powder and Panchamrit, along with Makhana kheer.
11. Devotees can break their fast and enjoy fruits and bhog prasad, typically on the following day.

   Lord Krishna's these mantras may be chanted during Janmashtami puja   

1. Shree Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..!!
2. Achyutam Keshvam Krishna Damodaram Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham..!!
3. Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare..!!