Shree Krishna Janmashtami (श्रीकृष्ण जन्माष्टमी)

Specially famous among Hindus, Shree Krishna Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in Bhadra dedicated to Lord Krishna. Hindus commemorate the birth of Krishna on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) which usually falls in the month of August and sometimes in September.

Hindus all over the world celebrate Krishna Janmashtami. Vaishnavas who follow Lord Krishna celebrate this festival with great value. As Krishna’s birth marks the beginning of a new era, and Lord Krishna has preached Bhagwat Gita to Arjuna before Mahabharata started; this festival has a very special place in every Hindu people’s heart.

On this day, people of Far-western and Mid-western region of Nepal also celebrates Gaura Parva.

Why do we celebrate Krishna Janmashtami?

In Hinduism, Lord Krishna is also a god who freed 1600 women from a demon named Narakasura. He was one of the most adorable children in the whole Gokula village. So, girls worship him to get a husband as loving as Krishna. Women worship him as either their son, or to get a son as adorable as Krishna.

Likewise, men celebrate Krishna Janmashtami since Krishna is the knower of Karma and the pathfinder to Hindu living. 

How Nepalese people celebrate Krishna Janmashtami?

People celebrate Krishna Ashtami in various ways all over Nepal. Basically they prepare Jhulunga/ Kokra (cradle) and fast till midnight and once the clock hits 12 they rejoice the birth of Krishna, the saviour or all Hindus. After 12 'o clock, devotees celebrate eating Kheer and sweets as a Prashad and sing devotional songs (Bhajans) of Krishna.

Celebration In Lalitpur City

Nepalese specially people from Newar community believe that Krishna along with Goupal people came to Nepal and created the settlement in Kathmandu making Goupal dynasty the first rulers of Nepal. So, the Newar community celebrates Janmashtami with great enthusiasm in Lalitpur. On this day, Hindus devotees from all parts of Nepal visit the temple. People celebrate Janmashtami together singing Lord Krishna's praises in the evening. As a sign of gratitude and devotion, people lit small oil lamps.

Celebration In Kathmandu City

Likewise, Hanumandhoka Museum gate at Basantapur is another beautiful place to celebrate Janmashtami. On this day, people from Makhan Tole install a curd pot (Dahi Handi) in the middle of HAnuman Dhoka Chowk and troops of boys from the surrounding community try breaking the handi and win rewards kept in the handi.

Celebration in Bhaktapur City

Bhaktapur celebrates the festival more traditionally and on this day, people dress young children as Lord Krishna and offer them Kheer and Dahi (curd) to rejoice the birth of Lord Krishna. Bhaktapur is peculiarly a little traditional. But seeing so many cute young kids dressed as Krishna can also be a good site to see. As people believe lord Krishna to live in every young kid’s heart they actually treat these young kids as god, for the whole day in Krishna Janmashtami.