KATHMANDU: Hindus across the country are celebrating Shri Krishna Janmashtami today with deep devotion and reverence, marking the birth of Lord Krishna through religious rituals, prayers, devotional singing and various cultural programmes.
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna was born at midnight on Bhadrakrishna Ashtami during the Dwapar Yuga, according to the lunar calendar. He is revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, who descended to Earth to vanquish evil, injustice and destructive forces and to restore righteousness.
Lord Krishna is regarded as an embodiment of wisdom, action and devotion. His teachings, particularly those on Gyanayoga (the path of knowledge), Karmayoga (the path of action) and Bhaktiyoga (the path of devotion), remain central to Hindu philosophy and continue to inspire millions of devotees.
Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate Krishna’s divine birth, his deeds and his teachings on righteousness, duty and spiritual liberation. According to Hindu tradition, Krishna was born to Vasudeva and Devaki in a prison in Mathura, where they had been imprisoned by the tyrannical king Kansa.
Krishna’s life and teachings are believed to offer guidance on truth, compassion, duty and spiritual enlightenment. His teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, delivered to the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, form one of the most influential philosophical foundations of Hinduism.
Krishna is also known by numerous affectionate names reflecting different aspects of his life and personality. He is widely known as Gopal, associated with his childhood as a cowherd, and Manmohan, referring to his enchanting personality and the captivating music of his flute.
On Janmashtami, devotees gather at temples and shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna to offer prayers and participate in special religious ceremonies. Among the most prominent sites in Nepal is the historic Shri Krishna Temple in Mangal Bazaar, Lalitpur, a renowned stone temple built during the reign of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla of Patan.
The temple and surrounding areas attract large numbers of devotees during the festival, with worshippers offering flowers, fruits and other religious offerings while participating in prayers and devotional activities.
Religious organisations and communities across the country also mark the occasion with processions featuring idols and portraits of Lord Krishna. Devotees gather throughout the day and into the night for bhajans, kirtans, hymns and devotional songs, while some participate in dancing and other religious activities.
Many devotees, particularly women, observe fasting and remain awake throughout the night, believing that Krishna was born at midnight. Traditional oil lamps are lit at homes and temples, while special worship ceremonies are held to mark the moment believed to represent his divine birth.
The festival is thus observed not only as a celebration of Krishna’s birth but also as an occasion for devotees to reflect on his teachings and reaffirm their commitment to righteousness, devotion and spiritual values.
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