According to the Hindu calendar, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great fanfare every year on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This time, Janmashtami falls on August 16th. The special auspicious time for the birth of Krishna will be after 12 o'clock at night, in such a situation, devotees fast throughout the day and worship the Lord as soon as he is born at night, and swing him in a cradle.
Grand Preparations Across the Country
Temples are specially decorated, tableaux are taken out, and Raslila is organized. At homes too, devotees worship Bal Gopal (child Krishna) with faith and devotion. If you are also celebrating Krishna Janmashtami at home this year, it is important to prepare for the worship in advance. For this, everything from the puja plate to the adornment items and the cradle should be arranged well in advance.
What Items Will Be Needed for Worship at Home?
Idol or Picture of Lord Krishna
First of all, you will need a beautiful idol or picture of Bal Gopal. It should be in a form wearing a yellow garment (Pitambar) and playing the flute. If you have an idol of Laddu Gopal, it can be placed in a cradle.
Platform and Red Cloth
Take a platform for the installation of the idol and spread a clean red or yellow cloth on it. This platform should be in the place of worship and in a clean place.
Puja Plate and Other Materials
In the puja plate, keep Akshat (unbroken rice), Kumkum (vermilion), turmeric, sandalwood, Roli (red powder), Gangaajal (Ganges water), pure water, a lamp, incense sticks, cotton, camphor, and incense. Also, keep a small pitcher or Kalash filled with water nearby.
Sweets and Panchamrit for Offering
Lord Krishna is offered Makhan (butter), Mishri (crystallized sugar), curd, Panjiri (a traditional North Indian sweet), and Ladoo. Apart from this, prepare Panchamrit, which includes curd, milk, honey, ghee, and sugar. This Panchamrit is also used for bathing the Lord.
Cradle for Bal Gopal
Be sure to have a cradle for Bal Gopal. Decorate it with flowers and colorful clothes. The tradition of swinging the Lord in a cradle is considered one of the most important rituals of Janmashtami.
How to Begin the Worship
Start with Cleaning the Place of Worship
On August 16th, take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. Clean the place in the house where you are going to worship the Lord with Gangaajal or pure water. Place the platform there and spread a red or yellow cloth on it.
Install the Idol
Now gently clean the idol of Bal Gopal with a cloth and bathe it with Panchamrit. After this, dress the Lord in new clothes, adorn him, and place him in the cradle.
Aarti and Chanting of Mantras
While worshipping Lord Krishna, chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" or "Om Kleem Krishnaya Namah". Also, offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, Bhog (offering of food), and a lamp. Finally, perform the Aarti of the Lord and offer the Bhog.
Special Worship at Midnight Birth Time
The time at 12 o'clock at night is considered especially auspicious, as it is believed that Krishna was born at this time. At this time, perform Sankirtan (devotional singing), blow the conch, and celebrate the birth of Krishna by playing bells and cymbals.
Distribution of Bhog and Prasad
After the puja, offer Makhan, Mishri, Ladoo, fruits, and Panchamrit to the Lord. After this, distribute this Prasad to all the members of the house and those who are fasting should break their fast the next day.
Things to Keep in Mind During Worship
During the worship, keep in mind that purity is maintained and the feelings in the worship are genuine. If the children of the house also participate in this worship, their enthusiasm and faith also increase.
Preparations in Full Swing Across the Country
Markets are also witnessing a buzz regarding Krishna Janmashtami. The decoration of temples, preparation of tableaux, and rehearsals of Bhajan groups have already started. People have accelerated the purchase of decorative lights, cradles, and adornment materials for their homes. This time too, the festival of Janmashtami will be celebrated with full faith and fanfare.
