Janmashtami is one of the most important festivals of Hindus as it marks the auspicious day of Lord Krishna’s birth. The birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated every year in the month of August, with a lot of enthusiasm and zeal in India. People visit temples and spread love and brotherhood on this day.
Many devotees also keep fast on the same day and complete it the next day after midnight as it is considered as sacred to do so. Also, they worship Lord Krishna by singing devotional songs, also known as bhajans or aarti. Temples are decorated with lights, fresh beautiful flowers, and most importantly, the idol of Krishna is decorated with new sparkling clothes, mukut, and other pieces of beautiful jewelry and ethnic ornaments.
People do the same at home also. Markets are flooded with Lord Krishna’s ornaments and idols as keeping them at home on this day is considered auspicious.
Also, people wear ethnic clothes and children also love to dress up like baal Krishna, which means Lord Krishna’s childhood attire. Temples and religious places also have devotees that perform religious dance, overall celebrating the life of Lord Krishna in the form of stories. This is a treat to watch by people of all age groups.
Sweets that are served on this auspicious day
- Coconut Laddus
Round balls of coconut and condensed milk are prepared in every home. They are also served as prasad on this day.
- Gond Burfi
These are made of roasted makhanas, almonds, melon seeds, and cashews. All the ingredients are first ground to perfection and with the aroma of cardamom, they are made into nice fine sizes. If you too have a sweet tooth, then this is perfect for you!
Janmashtami Special Activity
Another major event that takes place during this festival is the Dahi Handi activity. Dahi Handi means curd in an earthen container, or a clay pot filled with yogurt, butter, and nuts. It hung on the rope at a certain height and as a part of the activity, a person must put a hole in that container by creating a group of people and climbing over them. It is a fun activity, without which Janmashtami celebrations are almost incomplete. Friends and families love to be a part of this religious activity and people love to watch it too to cheer all the participants. The main purpose of this activity is to revive and celebrate what Lord Krishna used to love doing in childhood, as he loved to have curd and butter from the earthen pots. It is also a competitive event.
Temples that can be visited on this day in Surrey, Burnaby & Richmond
Indians in Canada also celebrate all the festivals with great enthusiasm. Here are a few temples that can be visited on Janmashtami in the lower mainland.
Laxmi Narayan Mandir
8321 140 St, Surrey, BC V3W 5K9
Subramaniya Swami Temple
8840 – No.5 Road Richmond, B.C. V6Y 2V4
ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple
5462, Marine Drive, Burnaby, BC
Highlights of ISKCON Temple
Date & Time: August 19, 6:30 pm onwards
- Krishna Swan Boat Ride – Midnight Aarti and Kirtan
- Golden Pots Bathing – Krishna’s Swing
- Kid’s Fun Zone – Drama – Wish Fulfilling Tree
- Free Feasting and much more…
Canada International Student Magazine wishes you all a very Happy Janmashtami.
Source: Significance of the festival Janmashtami Janmashtami Special Recipes
