Janmashtami
Janmashtami -- the birth celebration of Lord Krishna -- is observed with great devotion across India and wherever Vaishnavas gather. Celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September), it is a night of joy, devotion, fasting, and the midnight remembrance of the divine child who was born to restore dharma.
Significance
Krishna's birth as narrated in the Bhagavata Purana (Tenth Book) is one of the most celebrated events in Hindu mythology. Born to Devaki and Vasudeva in the prison of the tyrant Kamsa in Mathura, Krishna came into the world at midnight -- the darkest hour -- with the explicit cosmic purpose of lifting the burden of adharma from the earth. His birth was heralded by divine signs: the prison doors opened, the guards fell asleep, and the chains of his parents fell away. His father carried the newborn across the flooded Yamuna River to Gokul. Spiritually, Krishna's birth represents the arising of divine consciousness in the darkest moment of the soul -- the birth of the Self in the dark night of ignorance.
Rituals & Observances
Janmashtami is observed through: fasting from dawn until midnight; singing of bhajans and kirtans; recitation and performance of stories from Krishna's life (Krishna Lila); decorating the home and temple with images of baby Krishna; and at midnight, a ceremonial bath (abhisheka) of the infant Krishna idol with milk, honey, curd, ghee, and rose water. Distribution of prasad includes makhan (butter), mishri, and panchamrit. The Dahi Handi tradition is popular in Maharashtra: young men form human pyramids to reach and break a pot of curd hung at height, re-enacting Krishna's childhood playfulness.
Regional Variations
In Mathura and Vrindavan: the most elaborate celebrations in the world; the entire city transforms for days; thousands of pilgrims arrive; performances of Krishna's childhood exploits (Ras Lila) continue through the night. In Maharashtra: Dahi Handi competitions with large crowds. In Manipur: the Ras Lila, a classical dance performance enacted by trained performers in elaborate costumes, is performed through the night. In South India at Vaishnava temples: elaborate pujas, processions, and the decoration of baby Krishna footprints leading into the home.
Region: pan-india