India is a multicultural nation with many different festivals observed all year long. One of the very few holidays with extremely high significance is Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami.
Growing up, we were gently impressed with the traditional legend of Lord Krishna’s birth and early life by viewing the animated series Little Krishna. And as Sunbeam World School noticeably says, we discovered the grand celebration of Janmashtami, which honors the birth of Lord Krishna.
The word “Ashtami” indicates the “eighth tithi,” or the moment when Lord Vishnu’s eighth incarnation, Krishna, glimpsed the world’s light. The word “janma” literally means “birth”. It is thought that he was born on the eighth day of the month of Bhadrapada. Krishna sought to save humanity during the great chaos that Kansa had unleashed, forcing him to confront his wrath. But before he enacted his revenge, Krishna was Gokul’s most beloved kid, a magical being endowed with enigmatic celestial abilities.
Janmashtami is observed globally, not just in India, where it is even honored as a national holiday in Bangladesh. Janmashtami upholds the idea or philosophy that the good will always be rewarded. Therefore, Sunbeam World School believes that one should carry out good deeds regardless of what fate has in store for us. Life is worth living and cherishing every moment as long as we keep up our responsibility, or “Dharma.”
Unfolding the story
Although Devaki and Vasudev were the parents of Shri Krishna, Yashoda and Nanda raised him in Vrindavan. Usually, the celebration takes place on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadra pad, or Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha. Lord Krishna is claimed to have been born in Mathura Prison. His maternal uncle Kansa put his life in jeopardy there. A voice in the sky warned the despot Kansa that one of her children would murder him.
To prevent Devaki from having children, Kansa decided to kill her. However, her husband Vasudeva asked Kansa to pardon Devki and assured her he would give Kansa any of her children. Based on Vasudev’s promise, Kansa chose to let Devki go. He put Vasudeva and Devaki in prison. Kansa took care to ensure that none of her offspring lived. Thus, to keep Lord Krishna safe, his father Vasudev transported him to Vrindavan in a basket over the roaring Yamuna River. Yashoda and Nanda adopted and raised Krishna there.
Why is Janmashtami Celebrated for 2 Days?
The two-day celebration of Janmashtami is one of its distinctive features. As now Sunbeam World School finds it crucial to answer a very commonly asked question about Janmastami —
Why is it so?
The Hindu lunar calendar and Krishna’s birth date provide the answer. On the eighth day of Krishna Paksha, or Ashtami tithi, Lord Krishna was born at midnight. The Ashtami tithi may fall on two consecutive days, depending on the time of midnight, because in Hindu tradition, the day is measured from dawn until the next sunrise. As a result, many areas observe Janmashtami for two days, particularly in locations with significant religious significance, like Mathura and Vrindavan.
On the first day, devotees fast for the entire day, offer unique prayers, and remain up until midnight, the moment of Krishna’s birth. The following day, Nanda Utsav commemorates the joyful festivities of Krishna’s birth, during which devotees break their fast and engage in various cheerful activities.
Top 10 Lessons that Students Must Learn on Janmashtami from Lord Krishna
- Self-Discipline—Krishna emphasizes the need for self-control to succeed. Students should uphold discipline in their daily schedules, study techniques, and time management.
- Power comes from knowledge—Lord Krishna highlights the value of education. Students should aim for a thorough education to empower themselves and make meaningful societal contributions.
- Focus on the present— Krishna suggests that instead of stressing about the past or the future, one should concentrate on the here and now. Students should focus on their present assignments and use all available learning possibilities.
- Detachment—Krishna advocates distancing oneself from the results of one’s deeds. Students should not worry too much about grades or outcomes; instead, they should concentrate on their efforts and learning.
- Courtesy towards teachers—Krishna’s adoration for Sandipani Muni, his guru, emphasizes the importance of treating mentors and teachers respectfully. Students should be respectful of and grateful to their teachers.
- Moderation and Equilibrium— Krishna emphasizes the value of moderation and balance in all facets of life. A student’s social life, academic goals, and personal well-being should all be balanced.
- Kindness and Perceptiveness—Lord Krishna encourages empathy and compassion for all living things. Students should practise empathy and compassion in their relationships with peers and the community.
- Duty and accountability— Krishna highlights the significance of carrying out one’s obligations and duties, or “dharma.” Students must know their academic obligations and try to do well in school.
- Spiritual Development—The Bhagavad Gita contains Lord Krishna’s spiritual development and self-realization teachings. In addition to striving for academic distinction, students ought to delve into their inner selves and pursue personal development and enlightenment.
- Fearlessness and bravery— Krishna showed Arjuna strength and fearlessness in the face of adversity during the Kurukshetra conflict. Students should be resilient and determined when facing challenges in their academic careers.
