Which festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
Janmashtami
Explanation
Krishna Janmashtami, also known simply as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu tradition and the lunisolar calendar, he was born in Mathura at midnight on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shravana or Bhadrapada.
The other options represent entirely different celebrations. Ganesh Chaturthi honors the birth of Lord Ganesha, while Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Rama. Navratri, on the other hand, is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.
Key Points
The festival is observed by fasting, singing devotional songs (bhajans), keeping a night vigil (jagrana), and preparing special food offerings (bhog) to Lord Krishna at midnight, which is the exact time of his birth.
A major and highly energetic public ritual associated with the festival is Dahi Handi, celebrated predominantly in states like Maharashtra, where teams of young men (Govindas) build human pyramids to reach and break an earthen pot filled with curd hung high above the ground.
In temples, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, the idols of infant Krishna (Ladoo Gopal) are ritually bathed in milk, honey, and water, dressed in new clothes, and placed in decorated swings.
Additional Facts
The day following Janmashtami is often celebrated as 'Nandotsav', which marks the occasion when Krishna's foster-father Nanda Baba distributed gifts and sweets to the community to celebrate the arrival of the child in Gokul.
The festival is celebrated globally, reaching deep into regions with significant Hindu diaspora communities, with prominent celebrations hosted by ISKCON temples worldwide.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: On which specific lunar day (tithi) of the Hindu calendar is Krishna Janmashtami observed?
Answer: It is observed on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shravana or Bhadrapada.
Question: Which famous community sport involving the formation of human pyramids is played across India, especially in Maharashtra, on the occasion of Janmashtami?
Answer: Dahi Handi is the popular community festival and sport celebrated on the day after Janmashtami.