Citizens enter the mood of festivities with the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami today. Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.
The day celebrated with great joy and fervor by the devotees followed by a host of customs to welcome Lord Krishna.
Fasting is a significant custom followed this day and on the occasion, many devotees fast for the entire day and sing devotional songs at night when Krishna is believed to be born.
The next day to Janmashtami is known as Nanda Utsav. It is the day when people meet up their loved ones in order to greet them and distribute sweets.
On this day it is a custom to offer 56 food items to lord Krishna that is called as Chappan Bhog. The story behind Chappan Bhog is said that Lord Krishna once lifted the mountain Gobind Parbat to save the Vrindavan people from the fur of rain God Indra.
This is when Krishna fasted for 7 days. Lord Krishna had eight food items every day, so they all offered him 56 dishes in gratitude. As per custom the food after offering to Lord Krishna it is then distributed among devotees and priests.
Janmashtami is also known as the Dahi Handi festival. Dahi Handi is an event where the same butter stealing activity of Lord Krishna is narrated. An earthen pot or handi is filled with butter, clarified butter or ghee, dry fruits, and milk is suspended at a considerable height with help of ropes. All the local young guys called Govindas gather to make a human pyramid and climb on each other to reach the handi and break the pot amidst loud cheer and music.
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