Sri Krishna Jayanti
Sri Krishna Jayanti is a Hindu festival marking the birth of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, who Hindus believe to be the 8th incarnation of Vishnu, the god of protection. The festival falls in the Indian month of Shravan (between August and September in the Christian calendar) and Hindus fast all day, before eating a feast at midnight. In many homes people worship a small silver cradle symbolising Krishna’s birth.
Krishna was born more than 5,000 years ago in India, in Madura, then under the oppressive reign of Kamsa. According to Hindu belief, when Krishna's mother Devaki married his father, a voice from the sky prophesied that Devaki’s eighth child would kill Kamsa.
Consequently Kamsa imprisoned Krishna's parents and proceeded to murder the first seven children born to the couple. However, when Krishna, the eighth child, was born, he was saved by what Hindus regard as the divine intervention of Vishnu.
The story of his life thereafter is littered with miraculous and heroic deeds. As a child he is believed to have slain mighty demons. At the age of 10, in keeping with the prophecy, Krishna killed Kamsa, liberated his parents and reinstated Kamsa's father, Ugrasen, as king.
Krishna lived a luxurious life and this is reflected in the elaborate celebrations which mark his birthday. Hindus make sweets and give offerings of fruit and dairy products – especially butter, which was one of Krishna’s favourite foods.
Happy birthday Krishna!
