Janmashtami 2020: History, meaning, significance & how people celebrate the day

Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami is day when thousands or lakhs of followers of Lord Krishna gar and celebrate birth of deity. mythological story suggests that Krishna, who is son of Devki was born on eighth day of fortnight during Indian calendar’s month of Bhadrapada.

This in English calendar falls between months of August to September. This year as well festivities will be marked between August 11 midnight followed by day-long celebrations on August 12, 2020. Janmashtami 2020 will witness celebrations across Hindu communities. 

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Meaning of Janmashtami

Lord Krishna’s Janmashtami is important to Hindus as he is one of most worshipped God in community. He is believed to be born in year 3228 BC. His birthday falls after eight days of Raksha Bandhan which marks celebration of a bror sister’s relationship during Hindu month of Shravana. K

rishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami goes on for two days in rmal conditions, but Janmashtami 2020 might be different due to lockdown situation in country.

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Significance of festival

According to Hindu texts and mythology, Lord Krishna took eighth avatar of Vishnu to become destroyer of bad and evil exactly on day. As per Hindu literature mainly in Bhagwad Gita and Bhagwata Purana narrated birth of Lord Krishna. However, his kin, maternal-uncle King Kansa wanted to end life of little Krishna. Since time of Lord Krishna’s birth, every eight day of month of Bhadrapada is called Krishna paksha. day is symbolic to Hindu religion followers as a day which marks  win of good over evil.

On Janmashtami, people perform Puja and or rituals to please Lord Krishna. Apart from this, re is much enthusiasm and triumph throughout following day because people congregate to burst a clay pot (Handi)  full of ‘Dahi’ (fermented milk, type of yoghurt) set at a height. Several young men and women aim at bursting clay pot as a significant Janmashtami ritual. 

People also dress up ir little ones in Krishna’s avatar and also participate in community programs and competitions. Vendors sell sweet Handis on day. Traditionally, people even indulge in reading of verses from Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita and more holy books in Lord Krishna's temples and shrines.

Janmashtami 2020 celebrations

Due to coronavirus scare across country, congregation of people is t allowed in most places for Janmashtami 2020, but people still can celebrate at home. offering of Puja and sweets to Lord Krishna can be a home affair in Janmashtami 2020. Janmashtami 2020 can be celebrated remotely by sharing beautiful messs and ims on social media platforms. 

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