This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 26.
The auspicious time to observe Janmashtami rituals begins on August 25 at 9:20 pm and continues till 10:34 pm on August 26.
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who incarnates on Earth to restore cosmic order whenever there is a decline in dharma and an increase in adharma. Lord Krishna's incarnation occurred during the Dwapar Yuga, the third of the four yugas of Hinduism.
The festival of Janmashtami is marked by fasting, singing of devotional songs, enactment of scenes from Krishna's life and offering of prayers at midnight, which is believed to be the time of his birth.
Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal, a famous astrologer from Mudgal Jyotish Kendra at Pagal Baba Ashram in Deoghar, said that Janmashtami is celebrated every year on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This year, the festival falls on August 26.
The auspicious time to observe the rituals begins on August 25 at 9:20 pm and continues till 10:34 pm on August 26.
It is believed that couples who wish to have a child should worship Lord Krishna on this day with proper rituals to fulfill their wishes. On this auspicious day, Lord Krishna is dressed in beautiful clothes and devotees offer their favorite dishes.
Pandit Mudgal also mentioned that a wonderful coincidence will occur this year. On Janmashtami, to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna in his infant form, Laddu Gopal, a cucumber is traditionally cut as part of the ritual. This year, the ceremony involves the use of a silver coin for this act. Also, the arrival of Laddu Gopal should be marked with the blowing of a conch shell, which is a vital aspect of the worship of Lord Vishnu.
Apart from this, devotees must follow these rituals:
– Decorate the puja room with fresh flowers, diyas and eco-friendly idols of Lord Krishna.
– Adorn Laddu Gopal with handmade garlands.
– Wear traditional clothes like dhotis and kurtas for men and saris for women.
– Prepare bhog and other special dishes, including makhan and sweets, for Lord Krishna.
– Read sections of the Bhagavad Gita or other literature related to the life and teachings of Krishna.
– Chant the Hare Krishna mantra or other mantras dedicated to Lord Krishna.
– Staying awake until midnight, when Lord Krishna is said to have been born.
– As the opportune moment approaches, devote yourself to prayers, meditation and devotional music.
