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Krishna Janmashtami (Gokulashtami)
Description
This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. It is a sacred day, when devotees dwell upon the majesty and splendour of the Lord, and taste the sweetness of His Name, which is so dear to them, because it holds within itself the entire Bhagavatha (holy text describing Lord Krishna’s life).
Spiritual Significance
Krishna's advent signifies the dispelling of darkness, the removal of troubles, banishing of ignorance and teaching mankind the supreme wisdom.
Prayer
Vasudēva sutaṃ dēvaṃ kaṃsa cāṇūra mardanam
Dēvakī paramānandaṃ kṛṣṇaṃ vandē jagadgurum ॥
Purpose of Rituals
Gokulashtami is celebrated by offering to Krishna Paramannam (rice cooked with jaggery). The real meaning of Paramannam is Annam (food) relating to Param (Supreme). Paramannam is sweet. Your love must be sweet. What you offer to God must be your sweet love. Your love must be all embracing. This is the foremost message of the Avatar (Divine incarnation).
Chant/Song
Chitha Chora Yashoda Ke Bal
Story
Birth of Krishna
Activity
Making butter in the classroom and having a discussion on why Lord Krishna stole butter from the houses of Gopikas (cowherd maids).
Details
For details, please see document provided in the link below:
