Janmashtami is one of the most awaited festivals. Janmashtami celebrates the incarnation of goodness on earth in the form of Lord Krishna. Krishna is the synonym of ‘enchanter’, such was the depiction of Lord Krishna in mythological evidences that it matches well with his name. Lord Krishna is also known as Kanha or Govinda.
Janmashtami is the amalgamation of two words Janma and Ashtami. It symbolizes Krishna taking birth on Ashtami. Ashtami means the eighth day of a month. Janmashtami is also popular as Gokulashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, and Saatam Aatham.
The name Krishna belongs to the lunar calendar, as he was born on the eighth day or Ashtami of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight). Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month. Since it celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the day is also popular as Krishna Janmashtami.
When we spell Kanha, his visual image comes to our mind – a godly being with a flute across his lips and a feather around his head. The most striking feature of Krishna is his ability to maintain the bridge between mischievousness and spirituality.
The day is celebrated to honor Lord Krishna by singing devotional songs and arranging grand celebration. This includes Dahi Handi, Raas Lila, etc. Krishna or Govinda had been an enchanter with his mischievousness and spirituality, hence Krishna Janmashtami is devoted in a way that balances both, joy and devotion.
