HINDU FASTS & FESTIVALS : 19-1.

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19. KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI-1.


THIS IS THE birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth Divine Incarnation.

It falls on the 8th day of the dark half of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).

This is one of the greatest of all Hindu festivals.

Lord Krishna was born at midnight.

A twenty-four hour fast is observed on this day, which is broken at midnight.



Temples are decorated for the occasion.

Kirtans are sung, bells are rung, the conch is blown, and Sanskrit hymns are recited in praise of Lord Krishna.

At Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, special spiritual gatherings are organised at this time.

Pilgrims from all over India attend these festive gatherings.



The Lord appeared when the moon entered the house of Vrishabha at the constellation of the star Rohini, on Wednesday, the 8th day of the second fortnight of the month of Sravana, which corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha according to the Barhaspatyamana, in the year of Visvavasu, 5,172 years ago (from 1945), which means 3227 B.C.


Swami Sivananda
 To be continued  .....



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