Krishna Janmashtami Gujarat or the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu on earth, is observed on the eighth day of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu calendar.
The Hindu calendar being lunar, (Krishna-paksha Ashtami) and the Rohini Nakshatram may overlap for only a few hours. In such an occasion it is celebrated on different (but successive) days by different people, depending on their local or family traditions.
Dwarka, the kingdom founded by Lord Krishna is located within the territories of the present day Gujarat and therefore, Krishna Janmashtami in Gujarat India is one of the most popular of the fairs and festivals in Gujarat.
The Krishna Janmashtami Celebration in Gujarat is therefore one of the most popular events that is celebrated in both the public as well as private domain. Another place where the festival generates considerable heat is at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
The festivities begin with fasting on the previous day (Saptami, seventh day) which is followed by a night-long vigil commemorating the birth of Krishna at night, and his immediate removal by his father to a foster-home for safe-keeping at Gokula. At midnight, the idol of the infant Krishna is bathed, placed in a cradle and worshipped.
After ablutions, morning prayers and worship, the devout break their fast with food that has first been offered to Krishna- this includes Kheer, laddoo, halwa, malpwa, etc. During the fore-noon hours, the "Dahi-Handi" custom is celebrated. This can be seen in some parts of the Deccan and characterizes active public participation. Various Handis (earthen pots) are set high up by means of a rope locally in almost every nook and corner of the city, and groups of youngsters, called Govinda Pathaks climb up forming human pyramids to break the Handis that contain milk, and other stuff. Many such Govinda Pathaks compete with each other, especially for the handis that dole out hefty rewards; while they climb to break the handi, women from houses around, throw water on them.
The breaking of Handis is followed by sumptuous mid-day feasts, where extended families customarily get together. Sweets made of milk and other dairy products, especially butter, are traditionally prepared for this occasion.
The festival is celebrated at its best in North India. The temples at Vrindavan and Mathura witness a colorful, even boisterous celebration on this occasion, and festivities at these places extend for several days. Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration. Rasa Lila is performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and commemorate his love for Radha.
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