Janmashtami Celebrations

We celebrate Gokul Ashtami (also called Janmashtami) to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

A long time ago, in Mathura, there was a cruel king named Kansa. A prophecy said that the eighth child of his sister Devaki would end his evil rule. Out of fear, Kansa put Devaki and her husband Vasudeva in prison. When their eighth child, Lord Krishna, was born at midnight, a miracle happened — the prison doors opened, and all the guards fell asleep. Vasudeva carried baby Krishna across the river Yamuna to a village called Gokul and left him safely with Nanda and Yashoda. Krishna grew up in Gokul, playing his flute, doing mischievous acts, and spreading love and happiness. He later fulfilled the prophecy by defeating Kansa, bringing peace and joy to the people.