Krishna Janmashtami 2020: On August 11 & 12 Hindus across the country celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. The festival which is also known as Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, or just Janmashtami, is one of the most colourful festivals dedicated to Lord Krishna who is considered as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Krishna was born on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth) day in the month of Bhadrapada during Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) to Devaki and Vasudev in Mathura. Lord Krishna was born to a royal couple who were in captive by Kansa (Devaki's cousin). t was told to him that by a divine prophecy to remain cautious of Devaki


and Vasudev's child. Kansa ended up killing all the seven babies of Devaki which only added to the list of his sins. Lord Krishna grew up in Vrindavan in the foster care of Nand and Yashodha and was a naughty child.

This year Janmashtami festival will be celebrated on August 11-12.  However, astrologers say it is better to celebrate on August 12.  The auspicious time to worship on August 12 is 12:05 pm till 12:47 pm. The timings of puja will last for 43 minutes.

But the pandemic has put a dampener on most holidays and with the daily increase in cases, Janmashtami celebrations have been affected. But by using simple decor ideas and preparing delicious dishes you can stay at home, remain safe, and still enjoy the festival with your family.

Here are some decor tips for Janmashtami

  • Decorate puja room with flower garlands 


Use flower garlands and glittery streamers to decorate the puja room for the special occasion. You make also intricate rangoli designs that will not only brighten up the area but will also be a great activity for kids.

  • DIY tips to decorate swing for Baby Krishna


Use frill or lace for skirting the swing and choose from velvet and satin cloth to make the swing look festive. You can also use small cushions to cradle the idol. Use flower garland or even colourful ribbons to cover the swing. Then tie a rope with flowers or cloth or thread to move the swing.

 (PTI Photo) (PTI10-08-2020_000096B)

  • Hang butter pots for the festive feel


This decor item celebrates the  'Makhan chor' or 'Butter thief' aspect of Krishna. Take small clay pots and decorate them with pieces of glass, sequins, ribbons, and paint. Then hang these pots on the walls or ledges inside the house.

  • Try new rangoli designs


Decorate the pooja room and area near the swing with colouful rangoli. Challenge yourself by choosing a complicated design pattern!

 (PTI Photo)(PTI10-08-2020_000064B)

  • Try new recipes


Popular recipes for the day include Sabudana chat, mango shrikhand, aloo kachori. Prepare Panjiri and peda for bhog.