The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna is celebrated as Janmashtami across India. The occasion is known by other names like Saatam Aatham, Sri Krishna Jayanti, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Shree Jayanti and Krishnashtami. It is usually celebrated during  August – September (shravana month). The festival itself is celebrated on the 8th day of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Shravan and lasts for over two days. The first day is called as Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami, while the second day is called Kalastami or more popularly Janmashtami.

Rituals

On the day of Janmashtami, a waterless fast is usually observed. Devotees read about Shri Krishna’s glory, recite and sing his divine leela, especially in the evenings in the temples, which are decorated beautifully. Children are dressed up as Lord Krishna and Radha, his spiritual beloved. Krishna Leela is a play based on the life of Lord Krishna, especially his childhood. It is performed across the country. An arti is performed at midnight. The Lord is installed as ‘Lalji’ (or the child form) on a swing and is offered sumptuous dishes. ‘Makhan’ or butter is included since Lord Krishna loved it in his childhood.

The prasad that is administered traditionally is called the Panchajiri, which is made of five ingredients: powdered ginger, ‘suva’, coriander, sugar and ghee. Other ingredients include poppy seeds and desiccated coconut. The most popular ceremony of Dahi-handi or the ritual of breaking a pot full of milk and this takes place on the second day.

Fasting on Janmashtami

People who choose to fast eat only one meal on the previous day. On Janmashtami day, devotees take a Sankalpa to observe a one-day long fast and break it the next day, after the Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi are over. The whole day fasting begins with the Sankalpa which is to be taken after finishing all the morning rituals. In terms of time, the Nishita Kala is the best time to perform the Krishna Puja. According to Vedic time–keeping, it is recognized that Nishita Kala marks midnight. Sixteen steps of the Shodashopachar Puja Vidhi are expected to be adhered to during the puja. Nothing should be eaten in the form of grains or derivatives during the fast. Rules are similar to rules of fasting during Ekadashi.

Janmashtami Celebrations

Gujarat is considered to be the home of Lord Krishna. During Janmashtami, Dwarka comes alive, with celebrations and lots of visitors. Vrindavan witnesses extravagant and vibrant celebrations. All regionally famous Krishna temples celebrate Janmashtami with aplomb.

Dahihandi

The Dahi Handi ritual is the most popular ceremony of Janmashtami. It takes place on the second day of celebrations, where an earthen pot or a handi is filled with curd, milk, butter, honey, fruits and jvari. It is tied up from a high rope, about 20 to 40 feet high. The rope also has prize money tied to it, which is is distributed among those who participate in the building the pyramid. It is a spectacular sight to see. Young men form a human pyramid and one climbs onto them to break the pot.