Janmashtami

At Janmashtami Hindus celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. It takes place during the Hindu month of Shravan (August-September). Krishna is one of the most powerful incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Hindus believe he came to free the Earth from evil. It is also known as Krishna Janmashtami.

Who celebrates?

Hindus around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• Some Hindus simply don’t sleep during the celebrations
• Singing Bhajans, traditional Hindu songs is a key feature of the festival, especially at midnight when Krishna was born
• Many people will fast and fast is broken with milk and curds as they were Krishna’s favourites.

What should I know?

• Lord Krishna is the 8th avatar of the god Vishnu
• He is one of the most popular Hindu figures and is described as the Supreme Being and creator of the universe
• In the 2011 census 1.5% of the UK identified as Hindu.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Do not assume that if someone’s family is Hindu that they will be celebrating
• Encourage celebrations internally and externally
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

BBC: About Janmashtami: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/holydays/janamashtami.shtml

Janmashtami recipes: https://www.archanaskitchen.com/tag/janmashtami-recipes

Janmashtami songs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eXIHcBBcPU