Happy Krishna Janmashtami {jon-MOSH-tah-mee}!
Across India and around the world, devotees gather today to celebrate the birth of one of Hinduism’s most beloved deities: Lord Krishna. This joyous festival is filled with music, stories, and sweet offerings – honoring the playful child, the charming youth, and the wise guide Krishna is known to be.
Why babies take center stage
Since Krishna entered the world as a baby, it’s common to see infants and toddlers dressed in miniature crowns, peacock feathers, and yellow dhotis to embody “Little Krishna.” Temples may even place tiny cradles on their altars. Throughout the day, devotees sing lullabies, offer flowers, share sweets, and gather in worship to remember Krishna’s divine arrival.
The butter thief and the hero
Krishna is famous for many things, chief among them his love for butter. Tales from his childhood tell of him sneaking into kitchens, stealing pots of buttermilk, and sometimes being caught with a guilty (but adorable) smile. But he’s also celebrated for much more… defeating demons, lifting mountains, and bringing harmony to the world.
Music that stops the world
One of Krishna’s most enduring symbols is his flute. Legend says he plays with such beauty that people stop mid-step to listen, rivers pause their flow, and even animals gather to hear. His eternal counterpart, Radha, is the goddess of love and devotion. Together, they represent the deep bond between the soul and the divine.
A celebration of spirit and fun
In some villages, celebrations get wonderfully daring: human towers are formed to reach butter-filled clay pots hung high above the streets. This tradition, called Dahi Handi, recalls Krishna’s mischievous adventures and his knack for working together with friends to get that coveted butter.
Krishna Janmashtami is more than a holyday, it’s a celebration of joy, music, sweetness, and love, just like Krishna himself. Whether you join a temple event, read Krishna’s stories, or simply share sweets with loved ones, this day is an invitation to embrace playfulness and devotion in your own life.