Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami with Kids

[IndiaParenting]

When do people observe Krishna Janmashtami? How is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated? How to involve kids in Krishna Janmashtami celebrations?
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[Sarbani Gupta]

Krishna janmashtmi is celebrated on ashtami or the 8th day of the Krishnapaksha or dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Shravan. Krishna was born at midnight. Many Hindus perform puja at midnight. It usually comes in the month of August-September.

[Palak Dalvi]

Krishna Janmashtmi is celebrated in a grand manner by all Hindus. People observe fast for the whole day and night, and worship Krishna. They also keep vigil through the night and listen to tales of Krishna, read Bhagwat Gita. Devotional songs are also sung. At midnight, the statue of infant Krishna is bathed and placed in a cradle, which is rocked, amidst the blowing of conch shells and the ringing of bells. In some parts of the country, people enact the god's childhood attempts to steal butter and curd from earthen pots beyond his reach.

[Sneha Rathod]

Kids can be involved in Janmashtmi celebrations by reading out to them the stories of Krishna. They should be taken to temples where they can witness the puja and other celebrations. They should be allowed to rock the cradle of Krishna and be told about the significance of this ritual. They should be well aware of the tales from Krishna's childhood.