The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has greeted the nation on the joyous occasion of Janamashtami, and said that the festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
"It should be an occasion to remind ourselves of Lord Krishna's eternal message of performing one's duty without any thought of the reward," said Dr. Singh in his message.
"May the festival bring happiness, peace and prosperity to the people," he added.
Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in India in the month of July or August. According to the Hindu calendar, this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon.
The actual celebration of Janmashtami takes place during the midnight as Sri Krishna is believed to be borned on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and violence of his uncle, Kansa. All over India this day is celebrated with devotional songs and dances, pujas, arti, blowing of the Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna.
The Janmashtami celebration of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Sri Krishna had spent his life, are very special. On this day, temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples.
