Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth incarnation (avatar) of the god Vishnu in Hinduism. The festival marks Krishna's divine descent to earth, which is believed to have happened to establish righteousness (dharma), guide humanity, and shower infinite love upon all souls. Krishna's birth is seen as a miraculous and auspicious event, occurring in a prison where his parents Devaki and Vasudeva were held captive by the tyrannical king Kansa. The celebration of Janmashtami is not only about remembering this story but also about spiritually connecting with Krishna’s teachings, embodying virtues like love, compassion, and courage, and celebrating the victory of good over evil. People celebrate Janmashtami by fasting, singing devotional songs (bhajans), performing midnight pujas (worship rituals) to the baby Krishna idol, and participating in cultural events that recount Krishna’s life and divine acts. This festival inspires devotees to reflect on dharma, renew devotion, and cultivate a deeper spiritual connection with Krishna’s timeless wisdom and divine love.
