Krishna Janmashtami 2020: Date, significance and all you need to know

An artist paints a statue of the Hindu god Lord Krishna at a workshop ahead of the "Krishna Janmashtami" festival in Chennai. Pic/AFP

Krishna Janmashtami 2020: Krishna Janmashtami, which is popularly known as Janmashtami or Gokulashatami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Every year, the Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Sharavan or Bhadrapad, as per the Hindu calendar.

This year, the Janmashtami celebrations or the birth of Lord Krishna will be celebrated on August 11 with many people likely to celebrate it the next day as well. While across India, Krishna Janmashtami is popularly known as Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, or Janmashtami, in Mumbai it is widely celebrated as Dahi Handi Utsav.

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While some people observe fast as a gesture of devotion towards Lord Krishna, others celebrate the auspicious occasion by enacting dance-dramas, singing devotional songs, etc. While the festival is celebrated across India with much fervour and enthusiasm, Mathura and Vrindavan witness one of the pompous celebrations.

Janmashtami 2020: Date and timings of puja

This year, the birth of Lord Krishna will be celebrated on August 11 with the birth celebration being marked at midnight on August 12. However, the puja and fast will be observed on August 12. The puja of Lord Krishan on Krishna Janmashtami is usually conducted at midnight.

According to drikpanchang.com, the Ashtami tithi will begin on August 11 at 09:06 am and end at 11:16 am on August 12. The puja timing for the birth of Lord Krishna is from 12:21 am to 01:06 am on August 12 with the Dahi Handi celebrations taking place on the same day.

Significance and history

As per the Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna is revered as the 8th avatar of Lord Vishnu. As per Hindu customs and traditions, it is believed that Lord Krishna was born in Mathura at midnight on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month. Soon after his birth, Lord Krishna's father Vasudeva Anakadundubhi took Krishna across the Yamuna river gave him to his foster parents Nanda and Yashoda in Gokul.

According to legends, Lord Krishna was born to kill his cruel uncle Kansa, who had put his sister and brother-in-law in jail and had killed their seven children one-by-one fearing death. This is why, on Janmashtami idols of Lord Krishna are washed, dressed, and placed in a cradle. On this day, devotees of Lord Krishna break their fast and share foods and sweets.

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