Merry Krishna-mas! Indians celebrate Krishna’s birthday
Indian children dressed as Hindu God Lord Krishna sip cold drinks after celebrating pre-Janamashtmi festivities at a police camp in Amritsar on August 9, 2012, on the eve of the ‘Janmashtami’ festival.
Krishna Janmashtami, the Hindu celebration of Lord Krishna, is a multi-day celebration of the beloved god's auspicious birth.
Krishna is one of Hindus favorite gods: taking on many faces and roles, he is seen as a leader, hero, protector, philosopher, teacher and friend all rolled into one, About.com explains.
Krishna's devotees fast for the whole day and night of the Lord's birthday, which falls on August 10th in the secular calendar, and worship him through the night by telling stories of his adventures and recite hymns from the Gita, the Hindu scripture.
There is also song and dance; costume contests for the best young Krishna lookalikes; and re-enactments of a young mischievous Krishna's attempts to steal butter and curd from earthen pots beyond his reach, according to About.com.
A similar pot is suspended high above the ground, and groups of youngsters try and reach it by forming giant human pyramids.
Happy birthday, Krishna!
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