Janmastami is the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Many Hindus accept Krishna as an incarnation of Vishnu (and often list Him as the eighth incarnation instead of Balaram). Others hold that Krishna is the original form of God and the source of all Vishnu forms. His skin is blue, like rain clouds and His clothes yellow, like the sun. He carries a flute and loves all animals, especially the cows.
Why does Lord Krishna appear? Many Hindus will be familiar with the following verse from the Bhagavad Gita: “To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to re-establish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.” (Chapter 4, verse 8)
How is this day celebrated?
On this day festivities begin before dawn and continue throughout the day until midnight. The celebrations include kirtan (singing and dancing), theatrical performances, dance, interactive media shows, children’s shows and devouring the most delicious of dishes and delicacies prepared especially for the occasion of Janmashtami.
The Deities are dressed in special outfits; the altar and temple room elaborately decorated with fresh fragrant flowers and vibrant colourful furnishings to mark this special time.
The following video highlights some of the activities at Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Janmastami at Bhaktivedanta Manor