India is one of the most divergent countries in the world and has its own set of diverse cultures and traditions. Despite having umpteen number of cultural festivals, the people of India have the same amount of enthusiasm and ardour as for that of any other festival. One among the many festivals celebrated in India is “Janmashtami”. Janmashtami is also publically known in many other labels such as Sri Krishna Jayanti, Ashtami Rohini, Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Saatam Aatham and so on.
Janmashtami is a festival mainly celebrated by Hindus all over the globe. This occasion commemorates the birth of a Hindu lord, Shri Krishna. The legend was born on the midnight of Ashtami (8th day of Krishna Paksha) in the month of Shravana in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Lord Krishna, being one of the most worshipped Hindu deities, is very familiar among his devotees as the most adorable, mischievous son, romantic lover, and compassionate friend, and so his birthday is celebrated for all these aspects.
Certain traditions and practices of Janmashtami vary with different locations around the globe. In some parts, devotees celebrate by fasting, singing prayers, keeping night vigils, visiting Krishna temples and so on. It is celebrated with extravagance in the cities of Mathura, as he was born there, and Vrindavan as he grew up there. While in some cities, children dress up as Krishna or Gopis and visit their neighbours. Apart from this, this festival is celebrated with much fervour in some cities of Maharashtra where the festival is also familiar with the name of Dahi Handi.
In Maharashtra, Dahi Handi is celebrated by hanging an earthen pot of curd, milk or buttermilk at a height using ropes. There are groups of people that transform themselves into precarious human pyramids to reach the pot and break. These groups travel across the city and compete with each other to see who can break the most pots. These groups are then honoured with various kinds of top-tier prizes.
Wow Kidz wishes everyone a very Happy Janmashtami!!
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