Krishna Janmashtami 2023 - Date, Puja Muhurat and Significance

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna remains perhaps the most popular God in our land. Regarded as the 9th Avatar of Vishnu, the Supreme God of Protection and Sustenance, he is widely worshiped across the length and breadth of this country with much faith and devotion. As per legends, he took birth around the midnight of Krishna Paksha Ashtami, the 8th lunar phase of the Moon's Dark Fortnight, which coincided with the Rohini Star Day. People celebrate this Day of his advent as Krishna Jayanthi or Krishna Janmashtami.   

In the current Year, Krishna Janmashtami 2023 falls on September 6-7, 2023.

Krishna, the Marvel

We must learn at least something about Krishna before understanding what his birthday can mean to people!

Krishna was many an amazing phenomenon rolled into one! He was a loving child, mischievous boy, dear prankster, irresistible lover, miracle performer, true friend in need, loyal companion, conscientious ruler, astute military strategist, practical philosopher, wise guide, respected teacher, upholder of justice, and the establisher of the righteous order! For he demonstrated all these qualities in abundant measure in the remarkable life, he led on earth.

He was born to parents Vasudeva and Devaki, in prison in Mathura in present-day Uttar Pradesh, where Devaki's cruel brother, demon Kamsa had kept them imprisoned. Fearing for the life of the newborn from Kamsa, Vasudeva obeyed a Divine command and carried baby Krishna to the Gokul village, where Krishna grew up as a cowherd, brought by his foster parents Nandagopa and Yashoda, regaling the villagers with his towering presence and enjoyable pranks like stealing butter and earning the sobriquet 'the butter thief' and endearing himself to the young and old, especially the lady cowherds. Also, outwitting the many demons Kamsa sent one after the other to finish him off, Krishna grew into a formidable youngster and soon, along with his brother Balarama, took on Kamsa in direct combat, slew him and put an end to his atrocities.

Then he extended his helping hand to his cousins, the Pandava brothers, whom their cousins Kauravas harassed and treacherously sent away to the forest on exile. And in the bloody war that ultimately ensured between the Pandavas and Kauravas, Krishna assumed the role of the charioteer of the Pandava prince Arjuna, cleared Arjuna's hesitancy about fighting the war with his sermon of Divine wisdom, celebrated the world over as Bhagavad Gita, helped the Pandavas overcome their opponents and win the war, ascend the throne and provide the subjects with a just rule.      

There is no surprise that people look in admiration at the one who could achieve so much in his lifetime and revere him God, and celebrate his birthday with much enthusiasm. Let us also remember this remarkable life story of Krishna as we, too, celebrate Krishna Janmashtami 2023.

Janmashtami Celebrations

Krishna Janmashtami is a festival held all over the country, involving enthusiastic celebrations at homes, temples, and public places, lasting several days. And these festivities may differ from place to place depending on local traditions, customs, and practices.  

On the occasion, people decorate their houses with flowers and festoons, draw Rangoli with color powder all over the house, install Krishna's idol or picture at the altar, apply sandal paste and Kumkum to it, adorn it with silk clothes, jewels, and flowers, and light traditional lamps and incense before it. They also prepare many special snacks, sweets, and other items and offer those to Krishna along with fruits and Krishna's favorite, sweetened butter. As Krishna was born at night, the primary Janmashtami Pooja worship takes place in the evening and night. People recite Slokas and hymns in Krishna's praise, read stories from Puranas on his life and exploits, sing songs dedicated to him, perform Pooja and Archana to the idol, and conclude with Aarti worship. Then they partake in the offerings as Prasad, along with family members and others.

Many also fast during the Day and consume food only after the night Pooja.    

Temples sport a festive look on the occasion, where grand Janmashtami celebrations take place when they offer special worship to the decorated image of Baby Krishna lying in a cradle, witnessed by a mass of devotees. They also take out the idols of Krishna and his consorts in grand processions on the streets to the accompaniment of singing, dancing, playing of musical instruments, and fireworks. The greatest of celebrations occur in his birthplace Mathura, where a grand Temple stands where he was born thousands of years ago.       

People also hold Dahi- Handi at many places, remembering Krishna's penchant for raiding houses with his friends and stealing butter when people compete with one another to get to the pot hung at a height, containing curd, butter, and other eatables along with cash and valuable items.

We can witness these celebrations during Krishna Janmashtami 2023, also.

Krishna Janmashtami Celebration Benefits

These celebrations can earn for the devotees Krishna's abundant blessings and bestow them with good health, prosperity, fortune, loving relationships, wisdom, and a life of fulfillment.

Let us also celebrate Krishna Janmashtami 2023 with enthusiasm and pray to Krishna with devotion for his immense grace.