Shreekrishna Janmashthami Festival Being Celebrated on Saturday
Kathmandu, 16 Aug: The festival of Shreekrishna Janmashthami is being observed across the country on Saturday with worship and devotion to Lord Shreekrishna. Since Lord Shreekrishna — the proponent of Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge), Karma Yoga (path of action), and Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion) — was born at midnight on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra during the Dwapara Yuga, this day is celebrated as Shreekrishna Janmashthami and the night as Mohan Ratri.
On this occasion, devotees gather at Krishna temples nationwide to perform worship, listen to sermons, and sing hymns. Men and women traditionally observe fasts and remain awake throughout the night in devotion.
Lord Krishna, regarded as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born to protect humanity from injustice, oppression, and demonic forces. Throughout his life, he stood on the side of truth and inspired humanity towards virtuous deeds. The Bhagavad Gita, regarded as a sacred scripture, is believed to have been spoken by Lord Krishna himself to Arjuna during the battle of Kurukshetra. Known simply as the Gita, it is considered the most translated text in the world.
According to ancient scriptures, Lord Krishna displayed his divine playfulness from childhood and later vanquished evil forces such as Kansa, Jarasandha, and Shishupala.
On this occasion, a grand fair is held at the famous Krishna Temple in Mangal Bazaar, Patan. Similarly, large crowds of devotees gather at Navatan Dham in Kageshwori Manohara Municipality in the northeastern part of the capital, as well as at the Krishna temple located at the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) office in Budhanilkantha in northern Kathmandu.
Various Krishna temples across the capital also attract throngs of devotees. Religious organizations in Kathmandu mark the occasion with processions, tableaux, and chariot parades depicting Lord Krishna.
