Janmashtami, the Birthday of Lord Krishna is one festival that is celebrated with great zeal and fervor in India and the West as well. Krishna means the “all attractive” and indeed He is one of the most widely revered and most popular of all Indian divinities. He is loved by people of all generations and communities. He was naughty like a child, a mischievous thief, an extraordinary King, joy personified and the ocean of knowledge. In one moment, He is a perfect friend and other the charioteer of life. Generally, devotees of Krishna think of Him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead who speaks the Bhagavad-gita and performs wonderful spiritual pastimes in the cowherd village of Vrindavan, but Primarily He is the real soulmate of our soul; lovingly gazing at us longing for our love because he knows that is the only way we can become fully and eternally happy.

“To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me. To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.” (10.10-11) Gita

The Birth of the God

As per Hindu Calendar, Janmashtami is celebrated on the 8th day of the dark fortnight which is called as Ashtami of Krishna Paksh. Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudev who were imprisoned by Krishna’s maternal uncle Kansa. Soon after His birth Krishna braved all odds and was escorted to Nandgaon by His father amidst the torrential rains and flood in Yamuna River. There He was raised by Vasudev’s friend Nand and Yashoda and He performed various pastimes which are compiled in Bhagwat Mahapurana.

The largest celebration of this Hindu festival takes place in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna was born and spent His childhood years, respectively.

Janmashtami celebration at Radha Govind Dham in Irving (Dallas )

Here at Radha Govind Dham, we wait eagerly to celebrate the Birthday of our dear Krishna. We sing devotional songs for him, cook Krishna’s favorite delicacies to offer Mahabhog, and hold fancy dress competition for kids. Cultural performances and Krishna Bal-leela are performed depicting some amusing pass times from Krishna’s childhood. The celebration of Dahi Handi is meant to be a sweet reminder of the endearing deeds of Lord Krishna. Each year, the celebration of Janmashtami and Dahi Handi at Radha Govind Dham warrants large gatherings of people.

As a part of the Janmashtami ritual, we perform Abhishek in which idol of baby Krishna is washed with Milk, Ghee, curd, honey and sugar, post which Shringaar is done with a peacock feather crown and embellished pitambara. Beautiful ornate jewelry makes the birthday boy steal our heart away. As the evening progress and the clock finally strikes 12, conches are blown, bells are rung, and the chant of “Nand ke anand bhayo Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki” reverberates in the temple. We perform aarti and jhulan (rock his cradle ) of baby Krishna while singing his glories. In that moment, we forget that Krishna is the Supreme Lord of the Universe as our heart is filled with joy and ecstasy of celebrating the birth of our little Makhan chor Kanha.

About Us

Radha Govind Dham is an affiliate Center of Radha Madhav Dham, Austin; the largest Hindu Temple in North America. Radha Govind Dham follows the path of Raganuga Bhakti introduced and propagated by The 5th Original Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj who through his Divine teachings simplified the most perplexing knowledge of the scriptures with great ease and clarity and disclosed the guidelines on how to achieve the ultimate goal of human life.

We, invite you all to join us in the celebrations of Our Krishna’s birthday and we promise you too will be enchanted by his magic…! 

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