About Krishna Janmashtami
Every year, the holy Hindu celebration of Janmashtami is celebrated to honor the birth of Lord Krishna and the day, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Krishnasthami, or Srijayanti. People rejoice and celebrate all around the globe with tremendous enthusiasm. On this day, Hindus all over the world observe fasts, visit temples, decorate their homes for religious purposes, distribute alms to the poor, and serve prasad.
This year, the festival of Janmashtami has come near. It is thought that Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The most spectacular celebrations of Janmashtami are held at Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka, the purported birthplace and upbringing of Lord Krishna. Learn more about the history, significance, date of Janmashtami 2024, celebrations, and other details through this article.
Why do we celebrate Janmashtami?
We celebrate Krishna Janmashtami to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, the beloved deity of Hindu mythology. Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva to protect the people of Mathura from the tyrannical King Kansa. His arrival was fulfilled by a prophecy that Krishna would vanquish his tyrannical uncle, King Kansa. Kansa knew that the eighth son of Devaki would cause his downfall. Fearful of this fate, Kansa imprisoned his sister and her husband. Yet, with each attempt to thwart destiny, Krishna’s divine intervention prevailed.
On the night of Krishna’s birth, the whole city of Mathura went into deep slumber and Vasudeva took Krishna away to safety in Vrindavan. There, amidst the pastoral beauty, Krishna grew up as a mischievous cowherd boy, endearing himself to all with his playful charm and profound wisdom. His childhood adventures, from taming serpents to playful dalliances with his beloved Radha, became legendary.
As foreseen, Krishna returned to Mathura, where he confronted and ultimately defeated Kansa. Thus he liberated his parents and the entire Mathurabasy from the tyranny of Kansa and restored justice. Janmashtami celebrates this triumph of good over evil with fasting and devotional singing. It serves as a reminder of Krishna’s teachings on righteousness, action, and devotion, inspiring millions to lead a life of virtue and love.
Also Read: Janmashtami Decoration Ideas at Home
Janmashtami 2024: Time and Date
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. In 2024, Janmashtami will be observed on Monday, August 26th. The celebrations typically begin at midnight, as it is believed that Krishna was born at midnight on this day. Devotees observe fasting, engage in devotional singing or Krishna Kirtans, and reenact scenes from Krishna’s life, including his childhood and his mischievous activities. Janmashtami is generally considered a public holiday and it is a day off for the general population, schools, and businesses.
Janmashtami 2023
Janmashtami 2023 was celebrated on August 6-7, marking the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees observed the day through fasting, decorated homes with lights and flowers, and engaged in midnight rituals and aarti. Like every year, huge celebrations happen in Mathura and Vrindavan. Temples hosted special poojas, bhajans, and reenactments of Krishna’s life. Activities like Dahi Handi, where teams formed human pyramids to break a pot of curd, added joy to the festivities.
Janmashtami Quotes
Here are some inspiring quotes on Lord Krishna from Bhagavad Gita
- “Do everything you have to do, but not with greed, not with ego, not with lust, not with envy but with love, compassion, humility, and devotion.”
- “A man is made by his beliefs. As he believes, so he becomes.”
- “Set thy heart upon thy work, but never on its reward.”
- “The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it.”
- “When a man dwells on the pleasure of sense, attraction for them arises in him. From attraction arises desire, the lust of possession, and this leads to passion, to anger.”
- “He who has no attachments can love others, for his love is pure and divine.”
- “The soul is neither born nor does it die.”
- “Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good.”
- “You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.”
- “Change is the law of the universe. You can be a millionaire or a pauper in an instant.”
- “When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.”
- “The only way you can conquer me is through love and there I am gladly conquered.”
- “He who has no ill feeling for any living being, who is friendly and compassionate, free from egoism and self-possession, equal in pain and pleasure, and forbearing, is dear to me.”
- “Among all kinds of killers, time is the ultimate because time kills everything.”
- “There is neither this world, nor the world beyond, nor happiness for the one who doubts.”
- “For one who has conquered his mind, a mind is best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, a mind is the greatest enemy.”
Janmashtami Quotes in Hindi
Here are quotes on Lord Krishna in Hindi:
- “कर्म करने में ही अधिकार है, फल में नहीं।” — भगवद गीता
- “जो हुआ, वह अच्छा हुआ। जो हो रहा है, वह अच्छा हो रहा है। जो होगा, वह भी अच्छा ही होगा।” — भगवद गीता
- “मनुष्य अपने विश्वास से निर्मित होता है। जैसा वह विश्वास करता है, वैसा वह बन जाता है।” — भगवद गीता
- “योगी वह है, जो मन, बुद्धि और आत्मा को भगवान में लगा देता है।” — भगवद गीता
- “अहंकार, लोभ, क्रोध और मोह को त्यागो।” — भगवद गीता
- “संसार का सबसे बड़ा गुरु समय है, क्योंकि समय ही सबको सिखाता है।” — भगवद गीता
- “ध्यान में तल्लीन होकर व्यक्ति के मन का स्थिर होना, दीपक की लौ की तरह होता है।” — भगवद गीता
- “जो व्यक्ति अपने मन को नियंत्रित नहीं कर सकता, उसके लिए मन शत्रु के समान है।” — भगवद गीता
- “सच्चा भक्त वही है, जो सभी प्राणियों के प्रति करुणा और प्रेम रखता है।” — भगवद गीता
- “कर्म करो, फल की चिंता मत करो।” — भगवद गीता
- “जब-जब धर्म की हानि होती है, और अधर्म की वृद्धि होती है, तब-तब मैं स्वयं को प्रकट करता हूँ।” — भगवद गीता
- “जो अपने मन को वश में कर लेता है, वही सबसे बड़ा योद्धा है।” — भगवद गीता
- “आत्मा न जन्म लेती है, न मरती है।” — भगवद गीता
- “जो आत्मा को अजर, अमर, अविनाशी और अनंत मानता है, उसे किसी भी परिस्थिति में दुःख नहीं होता।” — भगवद गीता
- “सबसे बड़ा धन है संतोष।” — भगवद गीता
- “वही सच्चा योगी है, जो अपने सुख-दुःख, लाभ-हानि, जय-पराजय में समभाव रखता है।” — भगवद गीता
Janmashtami Status
Here are some simple and easy Janmashtami status updates for wishing your loved ones:
Wishing you a joyous Krishna Janmashtami! Jai Shri Krishna!
Celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna! Happy Krishna Janmashtami!
May Lord Krishna bless you with peace and happiness. Janmashtami ki Subhkamnaye!
Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki! Happy Shree Krishna Janmashtami!
Radhe Radhe! Happy Janmashtami!
May Krishna’s blessings be with you always. Happy Shree Krishna Janmashtami!
Celebrate the divine love of Radha-Krishna! Happy Janmashtami!
Krishna’s flute invites the melody of love. Happy Janmashtami!
Let’s celebrate the birth of the savior! Happy Shree Krishna Janmashtami!
May Krishna shower his blessings on you. Happy Krishna Janmashtami!
On this Janmashtami 2024, may all your wishes come true. Jai Shri Krishna!
Feel the divine presence of Lord Krishna. Happy Shree Krishna Janmashtami!
Celebrate with joy and devotion. Happy Janmashtami!
May the blessings of Lord Krishna fill your life with happiness. Happy Krishna Janmashtami!
Celebrate the magic of Krishna’s birth. Happy Janmashtami!
May your life be filled with Krishna’s love. Happy Janmashtami 2024!
Enjoy the festivities of Janmashtami! Jai Shri Krishna!
Wishing you joy and prosperity this Janmashtami!
Dance and sing in Krishna’s glory. Happy Shree Krishna Janmashtami!
May Lord Krishna’s blessings be with you and your family. Happy Janmashtami!
Radha Krishna ki jodi, sabse pyaari! Happy Shree Krishna Janmashtami!
Celebrate the birth of the divine Lord. Happy Janmashtami 2024!
May your heart be filled with joy and devotion. Happy Krishna Janmashtami!
Let’s rejoice in Krishna’s love. Happy Janmashtami!
May Krishna guide you on the path of righteousness. Happy Janmashtami!
Feel the joy of Krishna’s birth. Happy Shree Krishna Janmashtami!
Celebrate with love and devotion. Happy Krishna Janmashtami!
Jai Shri Krishna! May his blessings be with you always.
Let Krishna’s love fill your heart. Happy Shree Krishna Janmashtami!
May the divine light of Krishna’s love shine on you. Happy Krishna Janmashtami!
Janmashtami Cake
Janmashtami cake is a modern twist to the traditional celebration of commemorating Krishna’s birthday. Janmashtami cake is decorated with Krishna’s image and occasionally, flutes and peacock feathers are used to decorate it. People also make the cake in a dahi handi shape or makhan matki shape. This happy cake, which appeals to both young and old, gives the traditional celebration a contemporary touch.
Let’s take a look at how we can make a Janmashtami cake with complete recipe and decoration ideas:
Ingredients to make Janmashtami cake:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
(For the frosting)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of yellow food coloring
How to prepare:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Now, prepare the batter. Take a bowl and sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, yogurt, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until you get a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Now, it is time to decorate this vanilla sponge cake for Janmashtami with edible images of Lord Krishna, butter pots, or other festive motifs using icing or edible decorations.
To make the frosting, take a bowl and whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Add yellow food coloring and mix until well combined.
Now, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Some Krishna Janmashtami cake decoration Ideas
- Use edible peacock feathers or make them using fondant and edible glitter to place on the cake.
- Decorate with small flutes and crowns, symbolizing Lord Krishna.
- Add fresh marigold or jasmine flowers around the base for a traditional touch.