Hindus around the world will begin celebrating the festival of Janmashtami, or Krishna Janmashtami, today, Thursday, August 18.
The event honours the birth of Krishna, believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism.
What time is Janmashtami this year?
The occasion is observed on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha or the waning moon, according to the Hindu calendar. This year, it falls today, Thursday, with the auspicious time beginning at 9.20pm and ending at 10.59pm on Friday.
According to Hindu mythology, Krishna was born at midnight in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. Owing to a threat to his life from his uncle, the tyrant King Kamsa, Krishna’s father took him across the Yamuna river to Nanda and Yashoda, who became his foster parents, for safekeeping.
How is Janmashtami celebrated?
Janmashtami is a bank holiday in most parts of India.
Celebrations include dance performances such as the Ras lila, and pujas, or prayers, being held. Devotees traditionally fast throughout the day and observe symbolic vigils at night by singing songs in temples and homes. They then share food at midnight.
Temples dedicated to Krishna also make prasad, or devotional food offerings, and it is believed the deity arrives at midnight to savour them.
Children are often dressed as little Krishna on the day.
What is Dahi Handi?
A competitive event where an earthen pot filled with yoghurt is hung at a height and men and boys form a human pyramid in order to reach it, the sport is one of the major attractions during Janmashtami celebrations. It is also called Utlotsavam in some parts of South India.
According to legend, as a toddler, a mischievous Krishna — who was known for his love of butter and yoghurt — used to steal them from his neighbours. His embarrassed mother then asked her neighbours to put their freshly-churned butter and yoghurt and hang them at a height so the youngster couldn't reach them. Krishna is then believed to have employed the help of his friends to form human pyramids and stolen the food.
These days, the event can feature lavish prizes and major sponsors.
In 2012, a nine-tier human pyramid in Mumbai that reached 13.4 metres in height made it into the Guinness World Records.
Some devotees also adorn their homes with tiny footprints outside their doors to signify Krishna’s arrival and decorate their houses with statues of a baby Krishna in a cradle.
What is Ras lila?
The Ras lila is a folkloric dance that tells the story of Krishna’s youth and his love for Radha. A group of cowherds, known as gopis, who are enamoured by the sounds of Krishna’s flute and sneak away from their homes to dance with him, also form part of the storytelling.
Ras lila is also a major theme in many of India’s classical dances including the Kathakali, Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Manipuri.
How Bollywood stars celebrated Raksha Bandhan 2022 — in pictures
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Bollywood star Varun Dhawan showing off his rakhis on Raksha Bandhan. Photo: Varun Dhawan / Instagram -
Farhan Akhtar shared a selfie with his sister Zoya Akhtar and film director Farah Khan Kunder. 'Best sisters ever,' he captioned the post. Photo: Farhan Akhtar / Instagram -
Ananya Panday called her brother Ahaan 'the light of my life', sharing a series of photos on the occasion. Photo: Ananya Panday / Instagram -
Farah Khan Kunder joked her triplets Anya, Czar and Diva are at the age where she has to 'pay them to hug each other'. Photo: Farah Khan Kunder / Instagram -
Kartik Aaryan is seen touching the feet of his sister Kritika Tiwari, the ultimate sign of respect in Indian culture. Photo: Kartik Aaryan / Instagram -
Actress Athiya Shetty shared a throwback photo along with brother Ahan Shetty. Photo: Athiya Shetty / Instagram -
Sara Ali Khan shared a photo of herself with brother Ibrahim, whom she affectionately calls Iggy. Photo: Sara Ali Khan / Instagram -
Actress Sonakshi Sinha shared a photo with her brothers Luv and Kussh. Photo: Sonakshi Sinha / Instagram -
Mahesh Babu shared a photo of his son Gautam and daughter Sitara with the caption: 'Here's to the unbreakable bond of love.' Photo: Mahesh Babu / Instagram -
Bollywood director Zoya Akhtar shared a throwback photo of herself with brother Farhan Akhtar, who is also an actor and director. Photo: Zoya Akhtar / Instagram -
Sanjay Dutt shared an old photo featuring his sisters Namrata and Priya as well as his late father, actor Sunil Dutt. Photo: Sanjay Dutt / Instagram -
Actor Sunny Deol posted a black-and-white photo of himself with one of his sisters. Photo: Sunny Deol / Instagram -
Parineeti Chopra shared a photo with her younger brothers Sahaj and Shivang, captioning it: 'The best gift my parents gave me.' Photo: Parineeti Chopra / Instagram -
Shamita Shetty took the day to honour her sister, actress Shilpa Shetty. Photo: Shamita Shetty / Instagram
