Nandotsav

nandotsavShri Krishna is 8th and most important avtar of Lord Vishnu; incarnated as a handsome young man playing a flute. Janmashtmi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the 8th day of Bhadrapad month according to Hindu calendar.

Shri Krishna, son of Devki-Vasudeo, took birth in Mathura but brought and bread by Yashoda-Nandbaba in Gokul. Shri Krishna spent his childhood in ‘Brij’ area specially in Gokul, Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Nandgaon etc. He gave us the vital message of Bhagwat Gita (the great philosophy for every Person). Shri Krishna played various role in this incarnation. That’s why He is called the perfect avtar of Lord Vishnu.

Janmashtami is celebrated in various parts of India to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Every person regards ‘LadduGopal’ (Baby Krishna) as his child and celebrate His birthday with enthusiasm. In Bankey Bihari Temple, it is celebrated with full energy. Temple is decorated with flowers, lights and other material.

The idol of Shri Bankey Bihari ji is taken for abhishek in the midnight. After Abhishek the doors are opened for Darshan at 2.00 o’clock*. After that Mangla aarti to Bihari ji is held. It is held only once in year on this occasion.

After the holy night, ‘Nandotsav’ is kept on. In Nandotsav, toys, dresses and other things are distributed to devotee. Devotional songs and classical dances are organized to celebrate this festival all over the northern India. At many places Raslila (an act) is performed to recreate the incidents from the life of Shri Krishna and to describe his true love for Shri Radha.

Janmashtmi is a very auspicious night for those seeking for God’s realization. It is the day when the supreme power appeared on earth.

It seems totally wonderful that the Creator Himself appeared in a village in India “Nand Ghar Anand Bhaye jai kanhaiya lal ki, hathi dine ghoda dine aur dini palki”