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MITHILA |
KRISHNASHTAMI |
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Nirjala : Without even water BACK (festivals)
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Birthday of Bhagwan Krishna. In Mithilanchal,
the day is celebrated by installing the idol of Krishna and Radha. At
places idols of Nand and Yashoda as well as Rukmini, Satyabhama are also
installed. Even without idols, Shri Krishna, Balbhadra (brother), Vasudeva
(father), Nand (foster father), Yashoda (foster mother), Deoki (mother),
Rohini (wife of Vasudeva and mother of Balram), Subhadra (sister), Durga
(the girl child whom Kansa tried to kill as the eighth child of Deoki
& Vasudeva), Rukmini (wife), Satyabhma (wife) are worshipped by shastric rites and the idols are immersed in rivers the next day.
Generally men,women, even children and old persons observe Nirjala Brat for the whole day and night, or at least fast for the day and partake fruits and milk in the night. They may also observe Ratri Jagran and spend the night in religious discourse, singing Bhajans and Kirtan. The day on which this festival is celebrated has two interpretations : The Grihasta celebrate it as Krishnashtami. Hence, the day is decided by the fact that Ashtami must be the Tithi at Sunrise time (Udaya Tithi). It may be succeeded by Navami but never preseded by Saptami on the day. This is the common way of celebration. Sanyasis and Vaishnavs celebrate Krishna Jayanti Brat and the day is decided by the fact that Ashtami must encompass Rohini Nakshtra at Moon-rise time (near midnight). Not very common |
