Janmashtami and Nandotsav are two significant Hindu festivals that celebrate the birth and early life of Lord Krishna.
Janmashtami Janmashtami marks the divine appearance of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India, particularly in Mathura (Krishna’s birthplace) and Vrindavan (where he spent his childhood).
- Celebrations:
- Devotees observe a strict fast until midnight, which is believed to be the exact time of Krishna’s birth.
- Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna are beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and banners.
- Special prayers, rituals, and Abhishek (sacred bathing) of the idol of baby Krishna are performed at midnight.
- Chanting of devotional songs (bhajans) and kirtans (devotional chanting) fill the air.
- Many devotees gather to listen to and recite stories of Lord Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana.
- In Vrindavan, Raas Leela performances, depicting Krishna’s playful and divine love with Radha, are common.
Nandotsav Nandotsav is celebrated the day after Janmashtami. It commemorates the joyous celebration held by Nanda Maharaja, Lord Krishna’s foster-father, and the people of Gokul upon the birth of Krishna.
- Significance and Celebrations:
- Nandotsav signifies the happiness and excitement that spread through Gokul with Krishna’s arrival.
- According to legends, Nanda Maharaja invited the people of Vraja, including village headsmen, married and unmarried women, to celebrate. Drummers played music, Brahmins bathed the deity while chanting mantras, and Yashoda showered flowers upon the child.
- The festival is marked by singing, dancing, and the distribution of sweets to commemorate the divine child’s arrival.
- In some places, devotees reenact the Vraja celebration by splashing each other with a mixture of curd, condensed milk, butter, and water.
- Charity plays a significant role in Nandotsav, with Nanda Maharaja giving generously to Brahmins and other inhabitants of Vraja.
