Bhubaneswar, Sept 6: The auspicious festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with immense zeal and fervor every year throughout India. This joyous occasion falls on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad and goes by various names such as Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, Krishnasthami, and Krishna Janmashtami.
In the upcoming year, this holy festival will be observed on September 6 and 7.
Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the divine son of Devaki and Vasudeva. It holds a significant place in Hindu traditions, and devotees engage in fasting and prayers as they seek blessings for a better life from Lord Krishna, who is revered as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
This festive occasion is characterized by a multitude of rituals and festivities, with fasting being a central practice. People undertake a 24-hour fast on this auspicious day, concluding it by partaking in the bhog, a special offering prepared for the deity, at midnight after offering heartfelt prayers to Lord Krishna. If you intend to observe this fast, it's essential to keep in mind a set of guidelines, both to adhere to tradition and ensure a smooth fasting experience.
Here's a list of do's and don'ts to consider if you are fasting during Janmashtami:
Do's:
- Fasting with Devotion: Maintain a strong sense of devotion and faith during your fast, keeping Lord Krishna at the forefront of your thoughts and intentions.
- Consumption of Sattvic Food: Before beginning your fast, consume sattvic (pure) foods that are light and easy to digest
- Prayers and Mantras: Engage in regular prayers, chant mantras, and read sacred texts related to Lord Krishna to enhance your spiritual connection.
- Offering Bhog: Prepare a special bhog with pure ingredients and offer it to Lord Krishna at midnight. This is a significant aspect of Janmashtami celebrations.
- Sharing with Others: Share the prasad (blessed food) with family, friends, and those in need to spread the joy of the festival.
Don'ts:
- Overindulgence: Avoid overeating once the fast is broken, as it can be harmful to your digestive system.
- Negative Thoughts: Maintain a positive and peaceful mindset, avoiding anger, jealousy, or negative emotions during this sacred period.
- Excessive Physical Exertion: Refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activities that may drain your energy while fasting.
- Non-vegetarian Food and Alcohol: Say no to non-vegetarian food and alcoholic beverages during this holy observance.
- Janmashtami is a time for spiritual reflection, devotion, and celebration. By following these do's and don'ts, you can participate in the festivities while respecting the traditions associated with this sacred festival.
