Celebrating Krishn

Janmashtami celebrates the stormy midnight birth of Krishn on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishn Paksh) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad, during the waning phase of the moon. The hour is symbolic. In Maharashtra, the festival takes a particularly lively form through Dahi Handi. Inspired by Krishn's childhood habit of stealing butter, young men and women form human pyramids to reach and break a pot of curd or butter suspended high above the ground.

In Mathura and Vrindavan, celebrations have a special emotional intensity. These are lands associated with Krishn's childhood, his flute, his friends and gopis. Krishn's greatest gift to humanity is his wisdom. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishn became the charioteer of Arjun and delivered Gita. There, he addressed one of humanity's oldest dilemmas: one must perform one's duty without becoming enslaved by the fruits of action. He also teaches balance. Life is neither entirely about renunciation nor entirely about indulgence. To a devotee, he is the supreme Lord. To a philosopher, he is the teacher of Gita. And to those facing moral dilemmas, he remains the divine charioteer of Kurukshetra.

Janmashtami asks us to discover Krishn within us. It is the courage to confront Kansa-like forces of fear and tyranny. The symbolism of his midnight birth is perhaps the most powerful message of all. When the world appears darkest, hope can still be born. When injustice seems invincible, righteousness can still emerge. And when life appears imprisoned by circumstances, a new beginning may be waiting behind the closed doors. That is the enduring magic of Janmashtami.