Significance of Krishna Jayanthi
Krishna Jayanthi, or Janmashtami, is an important Hindu festival celebrated in reverence to Lord Krishna’s birth. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the month of Shravana in the Hindu calendar, usually falling in late August or early September. It is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Shravana.
Krishna Jayanthi is celebrated with great pomp and show across the length and breadth of India. In many places, people fast on the day and break their fast only after the midnight puja. Temples are decked up and festivals are held with joy and fervor. People spend their day in devotion and take part in various activities related to the Lord and his life.
Celebrations in Schools
Many schools observe Krishna Jayanthi and celebrate the day with much enthusiasm. Such schools organise various activities related to the festival and make sure that all the students are aware of the importance of the day. Schools usually start the day with puja and homa. This is followed by a special assembly, in which students sing bhajans and kirtans in honour of the Lord.
In some schools, the students are asked to dress up as characters from the Mahabharata and enact scenes from the epic. This helps them understand the stories better and also teaches them how to be heroic and brave like Lord Krishna. Other activities such as drawing and painting competitions and quizzes are also conducted to test the students’ knowledge.
After the assembly, the students are taken on a tour of the school grounds, where they can see decorations related to the festival. The decorations include colorful rangolis, paper decorations, and other festive items. They can also witness the celebrations taking place in the school’s temple.
Krishna Jayanthi Celebrations at Home
In many homes, Krishna Jayanthi is celebrated with much enthusiasm. The entire house is decorated with flowers, lights and rangolis. People make special sweets such as laddoos and halwa to offer as prasad for the Lord. People also try to recreate the scene of Lord Krishna’s birth by setting up a cradle and filling it with toys and food.
The day is spent in singing bhajans and kirtans, offering puja and prasad, and participating in traditional activities related to the festival. People often keep a fast on the day and break it only after the puja. They also exchange gifts with their family and friends.
Conclusion
Krishna Jayanthi is an important Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm both in schools and homes. Schools organise various activities such as assemblies, enactments, drawing competitions, and quiz competitions to make sure that their students understand the importance of the festival. Similarly, homes are decorated with flowers and other decorations, and people exchange gifts and offer puja to the Lord. It is a day of joy and celebration.