Janmashtami Celebration in Bengal
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Bhagwan Krishna, on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana. It is generally celebrated in the month of August-September. Legend is that Sri Krishna was born on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and atrocities of his maternal uncle, Kansha. In 2011, Janmashtami was on 22nd August.
Janmashtami is celebrated all over the nation along with Bengal with great reverence and obeisance. Lord Kishna is the god that is worshipped on this day. Not only in India, people enjoy Janmashtami celebrations round the world.
The day is considered a very pious day by the Hindus. Lots of bhajan singing, hymn chanting and poojas are performed on this day. Devotees visit Krishna temples to seek his blessings. People keep day long fast. Pooja begins early in the morning with devotees giving an abhishek to Bal Gopal's idol with gangajal, ghee, water, honey and curd. The idol is then adorned with new clothes, jewellery etc. Next, the idol is offered bhog. Fruits, kheer, pedha, milk and milk products are made. Thereafter, special Krishna pooja is performed. The cradle containing the divine infant's idol is rocked, conch is blown. Krishna aarti is sung. People read out 108 names of the lord.
After the entire pooja is completed, devotees break their fast by having panchamrit.
Since Mathura is the birth place of Sri Krishna, people from all over visit this pious place to visit the festival. Preparations for this great day starts month ahead. In Westbengal at Nabadwip Janmashtami Festival is very famous. In Kolkata people visit Birla Mandir, Mira Mandir to offer their prayers to the Lord.
The next day of Janmashtami is known as Nanda Utsav or the joyous celebration of Nanda Maharaj and Yashoda Maharani.
Hpoe you all enjoyed Janmashtami 2011.
