Janmastami

‘Janmastami’, the birth day of the Lord Krishna is a much vaunted Hindu festival that evokes no less pomp and gaiety in Assam along with other parts of the country. The festival falls in August-September marking the miraculous birth of the Lord inside an isolated cell amid the nightlong thundershower in Mathura. The fortified temples and namghars keep teeming with devotees who sing the hymns and songs narrating the entire eventful night where the Lord was born before being taken away to Gokul for safety. Most of the devotees, observe day long fasting considering it to be the best possible way to earn immense peace in life. They worship the Lord listening His tales and reciting His hymns throughout the night. In some places, religious plays are performed to mark the occasion. The most striking feature of the festival is the moment is the Lord was born. Amid the sound of songs and hymns, ringing of bells and cymbals the great moment of the birth of Krishna is observed at night. Then, the figurine of the infant Krishna is bathed to be worshipped by the people.

Cultural functions are lined up across the state where the people, cutting across the barriers of castes and creeds, participate in it sending a message of unity and integrity. These are apart from quiz, drawing, dance and music competitions among the children in many parts of the state. The best place to visit during this festival is Majuli, the largest river island on the planet where tourists in large number throng the prominent seat of Vaishnavite to enjoy the occasion. Dominated by puja, congregational prayers, this is a two day long festival in the river island on the eighth lunar day of the dark forthnight in August-September. Janmastami celebration is widely believed to be the key to get immense religious merit.