Published: 03:11 AM, 03 September 2026 Last Update: 03:20 AM, 03 September 2026
Janmashtami: A Highly Adored Festival of Hindu Devotees
Janmashtami festival is one of the most important among various religions. On the basis of data available in my data box, in Hindu religion, there are approximately seven to twelve religious festivals of which we celebrate every year. Within a span of one and half month, Hindus celebrate. Very soon we are going to celebrate Janmashtami festival which is going to be celebrated on September 4, 2026. This is no doubt a popular festival of the Hindu religion.
Now let me touch upon the logic behind the celebration of Janmashtami festival and what will be its impact upon ushering in secular harmony among all religions of India and around the globe. As known to the entire humanity, Janmashtami basically marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
Basically, Janmashtami as a festival is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. In India, the celebration of the birth anniversary of this divine Superpower, who is rated as the eight avatars(incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, who appeared on this earth destroys all evil forces from the dilapidation of humanity around us. From another aspect, the role of Lord Krishna is to restore the gospel of righteousness and truth and humanity to lead a peaceful life in the universe.
There are various aspects involved in the celebration of Janmashtami as a festival. The aspects which I am going to highlight will be highlighted in the subsequent column. The columns are stated below.
Core Logic and significance:
Triumph of positives of life in order to overcome any destructive forces within us. Now let me touch upon the historical aspects of the celebration.
From the historical data, we find that Lord Krishna was born on this earth around 5,000 years ago. He was born in a prison to parents Devaki and Vasudeva. Lord Krishna’s parents were imprisoned by his maternal uncle King Kansha. King Kansha had a belief that Krishna’s parents giving birth to their eight child, automatically tyrannical waves will dilute soon. As Lord Krishna was involved in a bellicose mood with his maternal uncle Kansha. But this did not linger upon for long. Thus, the defeat of Kangsha symbolizes that truth, goodness and ethics always give proven evidence that truth and goodness always overcome tyrannical temperament.
Restoration of Dharma- As per the norms stated in Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna incarnates upon us to protect the virtuous so that all wicked people are banished from the earth so as to pave way for moral order (which we refer as restoration of moral order and righteous mentality). All these we refer to in Bengali as Dharma.
Spiritual awakening-From the spiritual aspect, we find that the birth of Lord Krishna, always gives a positive signal to overcome all probable darkness from our mind and heart.
Now comes another wing Key celebration customs of Janmashtami:
Midnight vigils and fasting-Worshippers remain awake for late night celebration. Worshippers remain awoke on account of the above celebration to perform late night prayers. The process takes place by bathing the infant idol (Laddu Gopal) in milk, honey and ghee before placing it inside a decorated cradle.
Dahi Handi-This kind of celebration is done widely in Maharashtra. In this state, young participants gather at a point to form human pyramids to break up a high-hanging earthen pot which is filled with butter to recapitulate Krishna’s playful mischief.
Ras Leela and plays-Temples and cultural groups stage dance dramas along with skits illustrating stories from Lord Krishna’s early life.
Bhajans and Kirtan-Devotional songs along with chanting and readings from Bhagavad Gita fill up homes and temples with joyous festivity.
Before touching upon the historical aspects of Janmashtami festival, let me touch upon the impact of Janmashtami festival in our societal upliftment. As our society is on the verge of total deterioration, it is henceforth a vital necessity for us to uplift our society from garbage to a state of cleansing. Now people are very much prone to be involved in committing unethical acts. None of us seem to think about the welfare of the society. The way destruction is taking place around us speaks broadly about the welfare of the society. Henceforth religious festivals to the level of Janmashtami stand of utmost importance. The festival is not only important in India, but along with our nation, it is equally important in Bangladesh too, plus the rest of the globe. In India, though Janmashtami is celebrated widely all over the nation. In Bangladesh the day is celebrated by Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Kristha Kalyan Parishad.
Now let me touch upon the historical aspect of Janmashtami in India and separately in Bangladesh. In India, as per the data about Janmashtami, we do have, it is celebrated on the eight days (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, which we estimate as per the tenets of Lunar Calendar. The festival basically marks the birth of Lord Krishna, whom we pay obeisance as the eight incarnations, the Holy preserver of the Universe. The date sometimes varies as per the tenets of the Gregorian calendar, but in most cases, the festival is celebrated in most of the cases in the month of August or September. As already stated, Lord Krishna was born during the midnight period in Mathura, in a prison cell, where his parents were held captive by his uncle Kansha. The celebration is evaluated as symbolic which is an indicative of triumph of good over evil forces.
The devotees of Lord Krishna treat the day as auspicious. The divine presence of Lord Krishna on this earth is an indicative of spiritual force among humanity across the globe.
Now let me touch upon the significance of Janmashtami every year. The basic significance of the festival is stated as such,
1) Janmashtami upholds the Great Spiritual significance across the globe.
2) It is through the celebration of Janmashtami, humanity across the globe feels the spirit of divine love of compassion, wisdom and amiability.
3) The teachings of Lord Krishna inspire and guide people of all walks of life.
4) From the teachings of Lord Krishna, we come to know the significance of faith, devotion and selfless service in the life of humanity.
5) Janmashtami celebration is not only an auspicious moment as a religious occasion, but treated as a cultural extravaganza.
In Summary of my evaluation, it should be inherent in our mind and heart, that the festival should ignite in our mind and heart, as a spectrum of cultural upliftment. As days pass, the feelings of Janmashtami will always be embedded in our mind and heart. To be elaborate in this regard, humanity should be more cordial and humble in the upcoming days of life upon fellow human beings. Thus through the observance of Janmashtami, it is treated as a universal festival of the globe. The lesson which we have drawn about Janmashtami festival is that we should be compassionate and cordial about the humanity of India, Bangladesh and also other parts of the globe.
Sujayendra Das is a columnist based in Calcutta, India.
