Festivals
Date
Vaishnava Krishna Janmashtami
About
Vaishnava Krishna Janmashtami, particularly observed by ISKCON and Gaudiya Vaishnavas, is the grand celebration of Lord Krishna's divine appearance. This tradition strictly follows the Udaya Tithi (sunrise) rules and rejects the fast if the Ashtami is 'contaminated' by Saptami at Arunodaya.
Significance:
For Vaishnavas, Janmashtami is the most important festival of the year. It represents the highest expression of Bhakti (devotion), celebrating the Supreme Personality of Godhead who descends to display His enchanting eternal pastimes (Leelas).
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Nirjala Fasting: Many devotees observe a complete fast, including refraining from water, until midnight or the next morning. 2. Kirtan & Harinam: Continuous recitation of the holy names ('Hare Krishna Hare Rama') throughout the day and night. 3. Abhishek: A grand midnight bathing ceremony of the deities with various auspicious liquids. 4. Parana: The fast is broken (Parana) at a specific calculated time on the following day after the Tithi or Nakshatra concludes.