Krishna Janmashtami also known as Krishnashtami, Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini is an annual celebration of the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. This festival is celebrated on the 8th day of Ashtami in the Hindu Calendar.
A famous tradition called as 'Uriyadi' is a major event in Tamil Nadu on Gokulashtami. Krishna Janmashtami is followed by the festival Nandotsav, which celebrates the occasion when Nanda Baba distributed gifts to the community in honour of the birth.
As an offering to the Lord, the devotees put together a list of 56 food items which is referred to as the Chappan Bhog and it is later distributed among the people. Some of the common items which are found in the bhog are makhan mishri, kheer, rasgulla, jalebi, rabri, mathri, malpua, mohanbhog, chutney, murabba, saag, dahi, rice, dal, kadi, ghewar, chila, papad, moong dal ka halwa, pakoda, khichadi, brinjal ka sabji, lauki ka sabji, poori, badam milk, tikkis, cashews, almonds, pistachios, and elachi among others.
Mumbai celebrates it in a grand manner where a human tower of boys break a pot of fresh butter tied to a huge height. In most parts of India, young kids are dressed as Lord Krishna. People also gather together for kirtan (singing religious songs) and reading parts from The Bhagavad Gita.
Happy Janmashtami 2016!
