Janmashtami 2023 HIGHLIGHTS: President Droupadi Murmu Wishes The Nation On Janmashtami
Janmashtami is a sacred and revered occasion that commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is adored as the embodiment of divine wisdom and boundless love.
LIVE
Background
Janmashtami 2023: Hello and welcome to Janmashtami Live Blog. Janmashtami is a sacred and revered occasion that commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is adored as the embodiment of divine wisdom and boundless love. Follow this space to have a look at the celebrations around the country.
Janmashtami is marked on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month and holds deep and meaningful significance for countless devotees all across the globe. As this auspicious day unfolds, the atmosphere becomes saturated with devotional hymns, the alluring fragrance of incense, and an infectious spirit of celebration. Janmashtami acts as a unifying thread that brings communities together, fostering a sense of unity as they come together to pay homage to the timeless teachings and enchanting persona of Lord Krishna.
During the Janmashtami celebration, devotees undertake a period of fasting, and the grand festivities of Shri Krishna Janmotsav take place during the night. In the wake of Janmashtami, another joyful event known as Dahi Handi follows, contributing to the overall jubilation and religious fervor of this special occasion.
Janmashtami 2023: History
According to the belief system, Kansa, who was the brother of Queen Devaki, received a prophecy foretelling that her eighth son would ultimately lead to his downfall. Upon learning of this ominous prediction, Kansa took drastic measures by imprisoning both Devaki and her husband Vasudev. Tragically, Kansa proceeded to execute all six of their children one by one. However, when Kansa attempted to eliminate Krishna, fate intervened. Krishna was discreetly spirited away from the gloomy prison just in time. King Vasudeva bravely crossed the Yamuna River, cradling Krishna in a basket over his head, and entrusted him to the care of his dear friends Yashoda and Nanda in the serene town of Vrindavan.
Vasudev, in a desperate bid to protect his children, returned with their newborn girl on the very day she was born. He intended to present her to King Kansa, hoping that Kansa would spare her life, as the prophecy had specifically mentioned the eighth 'son' as the harbinger of Kansa's demise. However, Kansa callously hurled the innocent infant girl against a rock. Astonishingly, instead of suffering harm, she ascended into the air, transforming into the divine Goddess Durga, issuing a dire warning of Kansa's impending doom.
As time passed, Krishna grew into a young man and ultimately confronted and defeated Kansa, thus fulfilling the prophecy and liberating the town from Kansa's brutal and oppressive rule. The occasion of Krishna Janmashtami serves as a celebration of the love, compassion, and sheer beauty that Lord Krishna embodies, showcasing the triumph of good over evil and the enduring power of divine grace.
Janmashtami 2023: Date And Time
In 2023, Janmashtami is scheduled to be celebrated on September 6. According to the Hindu calendar, the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month will commence at 3:37 PM on September 6 and conclude at 4:14 AM on September 7.
Janmashtami 2023: Puja Muhurta
According to Drik Panchang, the Shubh Muhurat for Janmashtami is given below:
Nishita Puja Time: 11:57 PM to 12:42 AM (7 September)
Laddu Gopal Pooja Muhurat: 11:57 PM to 12:42 AM
Parana Time: 4:14 PM (7 September)
Janmashtami 2023: Fasting Time
The observance of the Janmashtami fast begins following Lord Krishna's birth anniversary. This year, the Paran (breaking the fast) for Janmashtami can be performed after midnight at 12:42. If Janmashtami is observed in your location after sunrise on the following day, the celebration can commence at 6:02 AM on September 7.
Janmashtami 2023: Rituals
On this auspicious day, devotees engage in a series of sacred rituals and traditions. They commence by observing a fast as an act of devotion and wear traditional attire to signify their reverence. A crucial part of the celebrations involves bathing and adorning the idols of Lord Krishna with fresh clothes and ornate jewelry. This act symbolizes the devotees' deep-seated desire for the well-being of their families and their wish to receive blessings from the divine.
In addition to dressing the deities, individuals embellish their homes with colorful flowers and intricate rangoli designs, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Many devotees also adhere to ritualistic fasts during this time. Some opt for the 'nirjala vrat,' a stringent fast that lasts until midnight, which is believed to be the precise moment of Lord Krishna's birth. Others choose to consume light and pure sattvik meals throughout the day as a form of devotion.
As Lord Krishna is believed to have been born at the stroke of midnight, the puja (worship) dedicated to him is performed during the Nishita Kaal, this being a highly significant period. During this sacred ritual, devotees offer Lord Krishna's beloved maakhan (white butter), milk, and curd to the idols, marking the celebration of his birth precisely at midnight. This act of devotion and offering symbolizes the deep spiritual connection and affection that devotees hold for Lord Krishna during Janmashtami.
Janmashtami Celebrations 2023
That's all for Janmashtami 2023. Thank you for being there with us till the end. See you again next year.
From Amitabh Bachchan To Hrithik Roshan- Bollywood Stars Share Wishes On The Occasion Of Janmashtami
Several celebs took to their social media on Thursday to extend their wishes for the festival and celebrate its spirit.
Veteran Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan took to his X (formerly called Twitter), and wrote in Hindi: “Wishing everyone a very happy Janmashtami.”
T 4760 - जन्माष्टमी की अनेक अनेक शुभकामनाएँ 🚩🚩🚩 pic.twitter.com/nCJZAYBAuD
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) September 6, 2023
Vicky Kaushal, who plays a devotional singer in service of Lord Krishna in his upcoming film ‘The Great Indian Family’, shared a couple of photos with some kids dressed as Lord Krishna. He wrote in the caption: “Bhajan Kumar aur humaare pyaare nanhe Kanhaiyaas ki taraf se aap sabko… Happy Janmashtami.”
View this post on Instagram
Hrithik Roshan took to his X handle and wrote:“May the love, compassion and tenderness of Shree Krishna enlighten our lives. Happy Krishna Janmashtami, beautiful people.”
May the love, compassion and tenderness of Shree Krishna enlighten our lives. Happy Krishna Janmashtami, beautiful people ♥️
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) September 7, 2023
Actress Hema Malini gave a glimpse into her celebration: “A brief glimpse into my Janmashtami decorations which I love doing personally every year! I stitch new clothes for Radharani and Krishna and I enjoy adorning them. This is my own personal private pooja in my house. Happy Janmashtami to all.”
View this post on Instagram
Devotees Offer Prayers On The Occasion Of Krishna Janmashtami At Dwarkadhish Temple In Dwarka
#WATCH | Dwarka, Gujarat: Devotees offer prayers on the occassion of Krishna Janmashtami at Dwarkadhish Temple pic.twitter.com/slBjDdZ1Rv
— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2023
President Droupadi Murmu Wishes The Nation On Janmashtami
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), President Murmu wrote, "I wish all the countrymen on the holy festival of Janmashtami. The festival of Janmashtami inspires us to understand, implement and do selfless work as preached by Lord Krishna in the Gita. Lord Krishna has given the message to the whole humanity to walk on the path of religion. Come, on this auspicious occasion, let us move ahead with the spirit of public welfare and make our society and nation prosperous."
मैं सभी देशवासियों को जन्माष्टमी के पावन पर्व की बधाई देती हूं। जन्माष्टमी का त्योहार हमें भगवान श्रीकृष्ण के गीता के उपदेश को समझने, अमल में लाने और निष्काम कर्म करने की प्रेरणा देता है। भगवान श्रीकृष्ण ने पूरी मानवता को धर्म के मार्ग पर चलने का संदेश दिया है। आइए, इस शुभ अवसर…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 7, 2023
Devotees Throng Badrinath Temple During Janmashtami Celebrations
#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Devotees throng Badrinath temple during the #Janmashtami celebrations pic.twitter.com/8bf3lhclIz
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) September 7, 2023