Lord Bala Krishna with cow
Janmashtami is grandly observed by the Hindus. In 2014, Janmashtami date (Sri Krishna Janmashtami) is August 17, August 18. Smarta Janmashtami is on August 17 and Vaishnava Janmashtami date is August 18.
Rohini Nakshatra Sri Krishna Jayanti – 19 August
This festival is related to Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. It is also called as Dahi Handi and Krishna Janmashtami. It is an annual commemoration of the birth of the deity of Hindu religion named Lord Krishna.
Regionally, this festival is also known as Sree Jayanti, Srikrishna Jayanti, Ashtami Rohini, Gokulashtami, Saatam Aatham and Krishnashtami. Among the Hindus, it is popularly known as Janmashtami.
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar, in the month of Shraavana (August–September), on the eighth day (Ashtami) day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha).
In the regions of Vrindavan and Mathura plus Manipur, dramatic and colorful enactments of the life of Lord Krishna known as Rasa lila are a special feature that spiritually entertains the Hindus.
On the other hand, the Dahi Handi celebrates Lord’s mischievous and playful side. On this day, teams of young men with joy and thrill form human high towers in order to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and then break it with a stick or hand. On Gokulashtami in Tamil Nadu, it is a major event known as uriadi participated by youth in large number.
According to the astrological calculations and scriptural details, the date of Krishna’s is 19 July 3228 BCE and departed on 3102 BCE. The Lord was the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva. He belonged to the clan known as Vrishni of Yadavas from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.
In different parts of India, Janmashtami is celebrated by the Hindus by strict fasting and devotionally staying up awake until midnight because that was believed to be the time when Lord Krishna was born on earth.
On this day, in the home and temples, the images of Lord Krishna’s infancy are placed with dedication and devotion in the cradles and swings. Hindus visit temples that are dedicated to Lord Krishna and participate on all the religious activities on this festive day.
Janmashtami in other countries
Janmashtami 2014 date in USA – August 16
Janmashtami 2014 date in Canada – August 16
Janmashtami 2014 date in UK & Europe – August 17
Janmashtami 2014 date in UAE & Middle East Countries – August 17
Janmashtami 2014 date in Singapore – August 17
Janmashtami 2014 date in Malaysia – August 17
Janmashtami 2014 date in South Africa – August 17
Janmashtami 2014 date in Australia – August 17
Janmashtami 2014 date in New Zealand – August 17
Check this video for detailed Janmashtami Puja Procedure with Mantras and fully explained Puja steps..