Janmashtami is popularly known as Gokulashtami in North India. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show and full of joy and gaiety. Janmasthtami is the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. He was born more than 5000 years ago in the 28th year of Dwapur Yug. Janmashtami is one of the most celebrated festivals for Hindus in India and worldwide. Janmashtami is celebrating the joy people feel all over the world for beloved Lord Krishna.
Popularly known as Krishna Jayanti:
Janmashtami festival called Krishna Jayanti is in August-September every year. Lord Krishna was born on a rainy and stormy night. Apparently, Lord Varun, God of rain, welcomed the Lord himself. Still this trend continues since Janmashtami always falls during the peak of rainy season in India.
Reason for Birth of Lord Krishna:
According to the Puranas, Krishna was the eight incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He took birth to kill the evil king Kansa who was tormenting the people. Thus, Krishna freed the people of Mathura and other nearby towns. They were saved from Kansa’s evil clutches. Kansa was Krishna’s maternal uncle. Krishna was the eighth child of Devki, his mother, and Vasudev, his father.