Krsna Nectar in US Media

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Krsna Nectar in US Media

Hindus mark Krishna's birthday this week

 

By LEILA PITCHFORD-ENGLISH

Advocate staff writer

Published: Aug 12, 2006

 

The major Hindu celebration of Krishna's birth will be celebrated

Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

Krishna is the eighth avatar or incarnation on earth of Lord Vishnu,

a major Hindu god. He is the most popular god among the common people.

 

The day's name, Krishna Janmastami, comes from janma, which means

birth, and astami, which means eighth, representing the day of the

lunar month Shravan, the month the holiday falls, as well as

Krishna's place in the avatars.

 

On our calendar, the day can fall during August or September,

determined by arrangement of stars, so the festival is celebrated on

slightly different days by various people. Family traditions and

geographic region also influence the date. The holiday may be called

Gokulashtami or Janmahtamand.

 

The night before

Many people fast and keep a vigil starting the day before.

 

The fasting varies. Some eat no food or drink. Others eat only dairy

products. Others eat no salt during the fast.

 

The extrememly devoted gather in the temples in anticipation of his

birth. Temples have cradles and special lighting for the festival.

Some people believe that rocking one of the cradles while making a

wish will bring fulfillment of that wish.

 

Leaves and flowers decorate temples and shrines in homes. Krishna is

depicted in sculptures and wall hangings.

 

Many people chant the 108 names of Lord Krishna.

 

At midnight, the hour Krishna was born, the celebration starts. Then

or in the morning, images of Krishna are bathed in five sacred

liquids. The images are dressed in royal clothes and worshipped.

Dramas reenact Krishna's birth, a dance drama is performed, and group

singing and dancing is common.

 

Pilgrims journey to his birthplace and childhood town where large

celebrations are held.

 

Special foods and games

Krishna was born with divine love, beauty and a spirit of play for

the sake of play. This avatar had a glorious and luxurious life, so

the day is celebrated with sweets and rich foods including butter,

milk and cheese. Butter was Krishna's favorite food.

 

Story originally published in The Advocate

 

http://www.2theadvocate.com/features/3553417.html?index=1&c=y

 

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