Volume 9 : September 2007

Janmashtami is a joyful celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna, the eight incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 

Lord Krishna was born on the eight day (Ashtami) of the month Bhadrapada (of the Hindu calendar) to Devaki and Vasudev.

On Janmashtami, at midnight (usually IST), the deity of the infant Krishna is bathed using the conch filled with gangajal, ghee, water, honey, and milk. He (Lord Krishna deity) is then placed in a cradle and worshipped. He is also rocked in the cradle and offered many dairy products, such as butter, milk, and yogurt that are believed to be Lord Krishna’s favorite. Also, on this day, many Hindus perform a waterless fast, visit mandirs and participate in singing bhajans and chanting hymns.