Birthday Tribute to Lord Krishna

Painting done by me

Krishna Janmashtami (Devanagari कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी), also known simply as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.Krishna was born in an era of chaos. Persecution was rampant, freedoms were denied, evil was everywhere and there was a threat to his life by his uncle King Kansa. Immediately after birth, his father Vasudeva took Krishna across Yamuna river, to foster parents in Gokul, Nanda and Yashoda.

This legend is celebrated on Janmashtami by people keeping fast, singing devotional songs and keeping a vigil into the night. After midnight the time when Lord Krishna was born idol of baby Krishna fondly called Gopal is washed and clothed and placed in a cradle. During the ritual various offerings including sweets, fruits,butter and different types of food are made to the idol.The devotees then break their fast, by sharing food and sweets. Women draw tiny foot prints outside their house doors and kitchen, walking towards their house, a symbolism for Krishna's journey into their homes.