JANMASHTAMI

Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna. He is the god of compassion, tenderness, love and is one of the most popular and widely revered among Indian divinities.

Janmashtami is celebrated by observing fast and singing devotional songs of love for Krishna. After Krishna's midnight hour birth, statues of baby Krishna are washed and clothed, then placed in a cradle. The devotees then break their fast, by sharing food and sweets. Many communities organize dance-drama events called Rasa Lila or Krishna Lila.

In school, Janmashtami was celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. Tiny tots, attired as Lord Krishna and Radha, enthralled one and all with their performance. Stories of Lord Krishna and incidents of life depicting valour and justice were narrated to the students. A pot was tied at a convenient height and the students with the help of teachers broke the earthen pot (handi) filled with buttermilk (dahi).