How to Celebrate Krishna Jayanti at Home

"Gokulashtami" or "Krishna Jayanti" or "Janmashtami" marks the celebration of the birth of Sri Krishna. Celebrations are held over two days. The first day is Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami. The second day is called Kalastami or more popularly Janmashtami.

Lord Sri Krishna was born on Ashtami day or the eighth day after Raksha Bandhan during the Hindu month of SHRAVAN. As the story goes he was born in the dark half of the month and at the

darkest hour of midnight. He is considered to be one of Lord Vishnu's most glorious incarnations

On this auspicious day of Janmashtami the idol of infant Krishna is bathed at midnight and is placed in a cradle. It is then adorned with flowers, jewelry and a small "mukut" or crown. It is then placed in a cradle. Everyone swings the cradle to the tune of bhajan's or songs of praise. 

Then "Naivedya" is offered to god and then distributed to all. This Naivedya or prasaad is a mixture of puffed rice, milk, curds and sugar. In addition, plenty of milk products especially butter, which was Sri Krishna's favorite childhood food, are given as offerings. A wide variety of fruits are also offered to god. 

Exactly at midnight, Krishna's birth is announced with ringing of bells and blowing of conch shells. 

Celebrating Janmashtami at home

• You can celebrate it at home with faithful devotion inviting others as well.
• Decorating your home for Krishna can be fun, particularly for children. Encourage them in helping to make garlands, hanging balloons and festoons of leaves, and generally making the house beautiful for Krishna’s appearance.
• Get a copy of the Vaishnava Songbook and choose some of your favorite bhajanas(devotional songs in praise of God) to sing.
• Read the stories about Krishna's childhood pastimes
• If you have the idols of Radha and Krishna, dress them with new attires and embellish Their altar.
• Prepare special delicacies like khir, sweet rice or any milk items. Also you can prepare puri, vegetables, rice, dal, ras gula, shira etc.
• Perform aarti at midnight with kirtan, a congregational performance of devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna. This is the time when Lord Krishna appeared on this earth.

Gokulashtami Recipe

• Rice Kheer Recipe
• Curd Rice
• Paal Payasam Recipe
• Milk Kesari Recipe
• Palkova sweet
• Akkaravadisal Recipe
• Fruit Mixture Recipe