Read the following short essay on Janmashtami that’s written in simple English for children & students. The essay talks about the Janmashtami festival, history, how it is celebrated and its importance for students.
Essay on Janmashtami Festival: History, Celebration, Importance for Hindus
Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. It falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar. Hindus believe that Lord Krishna was born as the incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.
Janmashtami is an important festival not only for Hindus but also for the Vaishnavite community. The day is observed with fasting, feasting and chanting of holy scriptures. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Krishna and break their fast after midnight when it is believed that Lord Krishna was born.
Janmashtami is also celebrated as a cultural festival with traditional music and dance performances.
The history of Janmashtami is shrouded in mythology. However, there are some historical records that suggest that the festival was started by the followers of Lord Krishna in the Mathura region of India. The celebration of Janmashtami gradually spread to other parts of India and became a popular festival.
There are many legends associated with the birth of Lord Krishna. One of the popular Legends is that of Devaki and Vasudeva, Lord Krishna’s parents. It is said that after Lord Vishnu killed Kamsa, the king of Mathura, he took refuge in the womb of Devaki, sister of Kamsa.
Kamsa was afraid that Lord Vishnu would kill him too, so he imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva. But Lord Vishnu appeared in a dream to Vasudeva and asked him to take Devaki and Lord Krishna to Gokul, a village on the other side of the Yamuna river, where they would be safe.
As per another legend, it is said that when Lord Krishna was born, there was a dark eclipse. A loud voice proclaimed that the evil king Kamsa will be killed by his own nephew. Fearing for his life, Kamsa tried to kill all the newborn babies in Mathura. But Lord Krishna’s parents managed to smuggle him out of the prison and took him to Gokul, where he was raised by his foster parents, Yashoda and Nanda.
Lord Krishna is often described as a mischievous child who loved to play pranks. He is also known for his love for butter and milk. Lord Krishna is said to have stolen butter from the houses of Gokul and ate it with his friends. This act of mischief is also celebrated on Janmashtami.
The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with great fervour and devotion all over India. In Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplaces of Lord Krishna, the festival is celebrated for seven days. Devotees flock to these cities to take part in the celebrations. Temples are decorated and special pujas are performed to mark the occasion.
In Mumbai, Janmashtami is celebrated with great pomp and show. The celebrations go on for six days and include dance performances, food festivals and fairs. In Gujarat, the festival is celebrated as Dahi Handi. Young boys form human pyramids to break open pots of curd (dahi) hung high in the air.
Janmashtami is an important festival not only for Hindus but also for the Vaishnavite community. The day is observed with fasting, feasting and chanting of holy scriptures. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Krishna and break their fast after midnight when it is believed that Lord Krishna was born. Janmashtami is also celebrated as a cultural festival with traditional music and dance performances.
Conclusion
Janmashtami is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu. The festival is celebrated with prayers, fasting, feasting and traditional music and dance performances. It is celebrated all over India with great enthusiasm. It is in fact the reflection of greater Indian religious diversity and openness.