Janmashtami celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Upcoming Dates For Janmashtami
This religious festival is celebrated on the 8th day of the dark fortnight in Bhadon. This is according to the Hindu calendar. Here are the upcoming dates:
- Monday, August 14, 2017
- Sunday, September 2, 2018
- Saturday, August 24, 2019
- Tuesday, August 11, 2020
- Monday, August 30, 2021
- Thursday, August 18, 2022
- Wednesday, September 6, 2023
- Monday, August 26, 2024
- Friday, August 15, 2025
Where Is Janmashtami Considered a Holiday?
Janmashtami is considered a gazette holiday, meaning many things will be closed. Government offices will be closed, but individual shops may choose to remain operational. Mostly, businesses will be closed down to allow observation and celebration.
Festivities & Events During Janmashtami
All over India, there are grand celebrations. These celebrations include devotional songs. There are also dances and pujas. Arti and blowing of the Conch. There is even the rocking of the cradle. In Mathura and Vrindavan (where Sri Krishna lived) these celebrations are particularly special. The temples are lit up, illuminating the sky. All night long, there are prayers and mantras sung throughout the temples. Even homes are decorated and illuminated in celebration.
A Brief History About Janmashtami
Sri Krishna's birth was seen as freedom from the evilness of demons on Earth. Believed to be the most powerful human incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the celebrations are met with great enthusiasm. The birth of Sri Krishna is celebrated on a dark and stormy night. This was believed to be the end of the rule of violence that was faced under the rule of his uncle, Kansa.