The birth of Lord Krishna

This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. He is considered to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. As his name implies, he was born at midnight on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Shravana. This would fall in July - August according to the Gregorian calendar.

Janmashtami is celebrated with great pomp and splendour in the homes and temples of Krishna devotees. It was he, after all, who gave us the invaluable message of the Bhagavad Geeta, considered one of the world's greatest classics.

Homes are cleaned and decorated. In the afternoon, prasad is prepared for distribution in the evenings. This is known as paggi hui meva. A small thaali containing water, rice and flowers and fruits like apple and bananas finely sliced, is kept ready to place before the lord as offerings. A lamp is lit at dusk as the sky begins to darken. A small bell and arti items are kept ready as well as these will be used at midnight, the time of the birth of Lord Krishna.

At the auspicious time, teeka is applied on the idol of the lord. Water is sprinkled and rice is showered on him. Bhajans are sung in praise of Krishna, the most notable being Om Jaya Jagdisha Hare. Musical instruments like the tabla and harmonium form the accompaniment for the singers and enliven the proceedings. Prasad is then distributed to all those present. Everyone then sits down to a sumptuous vegetarian meal.

The next day people take to the streets to break matkis tied at a height, reliving Krishna's favourite childhood prank of stealing butter from the pot.